Question
My son is 5 years old and has been scratching his ear, saying it itches, and in the morning, there was yellow earwax discharge. He also has a headache and fever. What should be the appropriate treatment for a child with otitis media if the earwax is purulent?
Answer
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are the current methods and medications used in clinical treatment of pediatric otitis media. Parents can choose according to the symptoms. Parents can use local anti-inflammatory ear drops for their child. If the symptoms are primarily ear pain, painkillers can be considered. If the child has a fever, parents can give some fever-reducing medication or take their child to the hospital immediately. If severe symptoms such as tympanic membrane perforation occur, timely hospitalization and surgical treatment are required. During the treatment period, it is important to ensure the child’s warmth and avoid exacerbating symptoms by catching a cold.