Question
My 8-year-old son has been scratching his ear and complaining of itching for a week. This morning, I found that the earwax is purulent and a bit yellow, and he has little appetite and seems weak. How should we diagnose and treat his ear pain due to otitis media?
Answer
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are the current methods and medications used in clinical treatment of pediatric otitis media. Parents can choose according to the symptoms, and in addition to systemic medication, regional treatment can also be carried out using anti-inflammatory ear drops. Painkillers can also be given to the child based on their condition, especially when the ear pain is severe, which can help alleviate the pain. If the child has a fever, parents can give them fever-reducing medication. In severe cases, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. These methods are commonly used in the treatment of otitis media. If there is a situation of tympanic membrane perforation, timely surgical treatment should be performed. During the treatment period, it is mainly important to keep the child warm and avoid catching a cold to exacerbate symptoms.