Question
My son is a 4-year-old boy. In recent days, he has been complaining of itching and pain in his ear. Upon inspection, I noticed that the earwax is purulent and slightly yellow. Additionally, he seems to have little appetite and is feeling weak. What should be done to diagnose and treat hearing loss caused by otitis media in children?
Answer
Firstly, parents can give their child some symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication for the treatment of pediatric otitis media. If the condition is more severe, regional treatments such as anti-inflammatory ear drops can be considered. If the symptoms are primarily ear pain, analgesic medications can be given. If the child is also experiencing fever, parents can administer antipyretic drugs. In severe cases, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. If there are multiple acute severe episodes or if there has been a perforation of the eardrum, timely surgical treatment should be considered. Pay attention to a light diet during treatment, with a focus on liquid foods.