Question

Dear readers, my 5-year-old daughter has been frequently tugging at her ears and feeling itchy lately. The earwax is yellow and thick, and she has a headache along with a fever. How should we treat the earache in children with otitis media?

Answer

If a child has otitis media, anti-inflammatory medications can be used based on the symptoms, and regional treatments such as anti-inflammatory ear drops can also be considered. If the main symptom is ear pain, painkillers may be taken; if accompanied by a fever, antipyretics can be taken, and it is recommended to seek medical attention early if there is a high fever. If there are multiple acute and severe occurrences or if there has been a perforation of the eardrum, timely surgical treatment should be sought. During the treatment period, it is important to ensure that the child receives adequate nutrition, eats a light diet, gets plenty of rest, and avoids fatigue.