Question
A 5-year-old girl has recently experienced ear pain, excessive and yellow earwax, headaches, and fever. How should otitis media in children be diagnosed and treated?
Answer
If a child is diagnosed with otitis media, the first choice of treatment is symptomatic antibiotic medication, along with the use of anti-inflammatory ear drops for local treatment. Pain relief medication may also be considered, especially when ear pain is severe, to help alleviate discomfort. If accompanied by high fever, appropriate use of fever-reducing medication is recommended, and if the condition is severe, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. In the event of tympanic membrane perforation symptoms, timely medical attention and surgical treatment should be sought. It is advisable to maintain a light diet and consume mainly liquid foods during the treatment period.