Question
A 6-year-old boy has been complaining of itchy and painful ears lately. There is a lot of yellow earwax, and he also has a low-grade fever. How should one treat purulent earwax in children with otitis media?
Answer
Currently, in clinical treatment of pediatric otitis media, antibiotics are primarily used. Symptomatic medication can be used based on the child’s symptoms, which tends to be effective. Ear secretion bacteria cultures can be performed, and anti-inflammatory ear drops can be used according to the test results. If the child is experiencing significant pain, some painkillers can be administered. If the child has a fever, parents can give the child fever-reducing medication or take the child to the hospital immediately. In addition to these medication treatments, if the condition is severe and there is a perforation of the eardrum, hospital surgery may be required. During treatment, it is important to maintain a light diet and consume mainly liquid foods.