Question
An infant has been diagnosed with otitis media, with no unusual smell in the ear, thick discharge, and the condition has persisted for nearly 20 days. The infant does not show discomfort in the ear, is in good spirits, and hearing is unaffected. What are some effective treatment methods to improve this situation?
Answer
The treatment for otitis media typically involves antibiotics, corticosteroids, and ear drops, although these medications can temporarily alleviate symptoms, they are not a long-term solution. Pharmacological treatment may come with side effects that can cause damage to the ear, ranging from tinnitus and ear plugging to more severe conditions like ototoxicity and even deafness. Therefore, parents should continuously monitor their child’s health status. It is recommended to seek the diagnosis and treatment advice of a professional doctor.