Question
A boy, 8 years old, is in elementary school. This week, he told me his ear was a bit sore, and I noticed the earwax was purulent and slightly yellow. Additionally, there’s a buzzing sound in his ear, and he has a low-grade fever. How should a child’s ear infection with yellow discharge be diagnosed and treated?
Answer
Currently, in clinical treatment of pediatric otitis media, antibiotics are mainly used. Symptomatic medication can be used according to the child’s symptoms, which is quite effective. You can perform a bacterial culture of the ear secretions based on the examination results and use anti-inflammatory ear drops. You can also administer painkillers according to the child’s condition, especially when the pain is severe, which can help alleviate the pain. If the child has symptoms of fever, some antipyretic medication can be taken. In severe cases, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Otitis media is characterized by recurrent attacks. If there is a situation of tympanic membrane perforation, it is necessary to seek immediate medical treatment. At the same time, attention should also be paid to arranging a reasonable diet and lifestyle for the child to help the disease recover as soon as possible.