Question
A 7-year-old boy, in elementary school, has recently been experiencing pain and itching in his ear, occasionally with yellowish fluid discharge. He has a lack of appetite and feels very tired. How should one treat a child’s otitis media-related ear pain?
Answer
The current clinical treatments for pediatric otitis media mainly include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Parents can choose the treatment method based on the symptoms, which can be oral medication or regional treatment such as ear drops for inflammation. If ear pain is the primary symptom, consider giving a moderate dose of pain reliever to alleviate the pain. If fever is present, fever-reducing medication can be administered or immediate medical attention sought. In cases of recurrent acute severe symptoms or if there is already a perforation in the eardrum, timely surgical treatment should be considered. During the treatment period, keep the child warm and avoid catching a cold to worsen the condition.