Question
A 3-year-old girl, just started kindergarten, has been constantly tugging at her ear, complaining of itching, along with yellowish earwax discharge. She also has a headache and fever. How should pediatric otitis media with yellow fluid in the ear be treated?
Answer
To effectively treat otitis media, it is advisable to choose symptomatic medications with anti-inflammatory properties under a doctor’s guidance. Regional drug treatment can be considered, such as using anti-inflammatory ear drops for medical treatment. Additionally, painkillers can be administered based on the child’s condition, especially when the pain is severe, which can help alleviate suffering. If the child has a fever, parents can give the child antipyretic medication or take them to the hospital immediately. These are common treatment methods. However, if the child shows symptoms of tympanic membrane perforation, immediate hospital treatment and surgery are required. During the treatment period, it is important to ensure the child receives adequate nutrition, with a diet mainly consisting of light and easy-to-digest foods. It is also crucial to ensure the child gets enough rest and avoids fatigue.