Question
A 4-year-old boy has recently been complaining of ear pain and yellow earwax discharge, along with headaches and fever. How should pediatric otitis media be treated?
Answer
If a child has otitis media, symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication can be used. Parents can administer regional anti-inflammatory ear drops for treatment. For children with evident ear pain, painkillers may be used. Some children may also have a fever, in which case oral antipyretics can be taken. If symptoms do not subside, it is essential to seek medical attention. If the child develops a perforated eardrum, parents may consider surgical treatment. Additionally, parents need to regularly perform protective measures to prevent a recurrence of otitis media.