Question
A 3-year-old girl, just started kindergarten, has been experiencing some ear pain lately. The earwax is purulent and slightly yellow, accompanied by headaches and fever. How should a child’s middle ear infection and earache be treated?
Answer
Treating a child’s middle ear infection first involves giving the child some symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication. While taking the medication, it’s also advisable to administer some local treatments, such as anti-inflammatory ear drops. If the pain is severe, some painkillers can be given appropriately. If the child also has fever symptoms, medications with fever-reducing effects can be taken; in severe cases, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. For those with recurrent acute severe infections or those who have already developed tympanic membrane perforation, timely surgical treatment should be considered. During the treatment period, it is also important to maintain good dietary hygiene and ensure adequate rest.