Question
My child is a 3-year-old boy. Lately, he has been tugging at his ear, feeling it itchy, with thick and slightly yellow earwax. He has a poor appetite and a sore throat. How should mucopurulent otitis media in children be diagnosed and treated?
Answer
It is recommended that parents choose appropriate antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications under a doctor’s guidance to relieve inflammatory symptoms. Ear secretion bacterial culture can be performed, and anti-inflammatory ear drops can be used based on the results. If the child experiences severe ear pain, painkillers can be considered. In case of fever, oral antipyretics can be taken. If there is no relief, medical consultation is required. If there is a tympanic membrane perforation, consider surgical treatment. Parents should pay attention to protective measures to prevent a recurrence of otitis media.