Question
A 10-year-old boy, in elementary school, has been complaining of an itchy and painful ear for the past few days. There is yellow earwax discharge, loss of appetite, and discomfort in the throat. How should one treat a child’s earache due to otitis media?
Answer
If a child has otitis media, anti-inflammatory medication can be used for symptomatic treatment. Topical use of anti-inflammatory ear drops can be applied in the affected area. For children with severe ear pain, painkillers may be prescribed. Some children may also have a fever, in which case oral fever-reducing medication can be taken. If symptoms do not improve, it is imperative to seek medical attention. In addition to medication, if there are severe conditions such as perforation of the eardrum, immediate medical attention is required. During treatment, it is advisable to maintain a light diet and consume mainly liquid foods.