Question
A 9-year-old boy reported ear pain this week. This morning, I found that the earwax is purulent and slightly yellow, and he seems to have little appetite and is quite weak. How should we treat a child’s middle ear infection and hearing loss?
Answer
Antibiotic medications are commonly used in the treatment of middle ear infections and can be selected as appropriate. Besides systemic medication, regional treatment can also be considered, such as using anti-inflammatory ear drops. If the symptoms are primarily ear pain, painkillers can be considered. If the child has a fever, some fever-reducing medications can be taken. In severe cases, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In addition to medication, if the child’s condition is severe and there is a perforation of the eardrum, hospital surgery may be required. During treatment, it is crucial to ensure the child stays warm and avoid catching a cold to exacerbate symptoms.