Question
My daughter is 2 years old. Lately, she’s been constantly tugging at her ears, saying they are itchy. Moreover, there’s yellow earwax coming out, and her appetite and throat are uncomfortable. How should we diagnose and treat purulent otitis media in children?
Answer
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are the current methods and drugs used in clinical treatment for pediatric otitis media. Parents can choose symptomatic medications. You can conduct a bacterial culture of ear secretions based on the examination results, use anti-inflammatory ear drops, and if the child is particularly painful, you can also give some painkillers. If the child also has a fever, you can consider giving some antipyretic medication. However, if the fever persists, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly. Otitis media has the characteristic of recurrent attacks. If there is a situation of tympanic membrane perforation, it is necessary to seek medical treatment immediately. After the condition improves, it is recommended to let the child engage in moderate exercise to enhance immunity and prevent recurrence.