Question
A 3-year-old girl, just started kindergarten, has been complaining that her ear hurts, and occasionally, yellowish fluid has been draining from it. She also seems to have little appetite and is rather weak. How should pediatric otitis media be treated for the best effectiveness when there’s difficulty in hearing and speaking?
Answer
It is recommended that parents choose suitable antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications under a doctor’s guidance to relieve inflammatory symptoms. Ear drops containing anti-inflammatory agents can be used for localized treatment. If ear pain is the primary symptom, painkillers may be considered. Fever should be treated with antipyretic medications. In severe cases, seek medical attention promptly, and if an eardrum perforation occurs, surgical treatment is advised as soon as possible. During this time, ensure the child gets plenty of rest and consumes an abundance of vegetables and fruits.