Question
A 12-year-old boy, in elementary school, has been experiencing some pain in his ear over the past few days. He has noticed yellow earwax discharge and also has a low-grade fever. How should one diagnose and treat yellow earwax in children with otitis media?
Answer
The first step in treating pediatric otitis media is for parents to give the child some symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication. They can also apply regional treatments, such as using an anti-inflammatory ear drop for the baby. If the child’s ear pain is severe, it is recommended to administer some pain relief medication. If the child is also running a fever, parents can give him some fever-reducing medication. In serious cases, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Otitis media often has a recurrent characteristic, and if there is a perforation of the eardrum, immediate medical treatment is required. During the treatment period, it is important to maintain a light diet and consume mainly liquid foods.