Question
A 11-year-old boy, in elementary school, has been complaining about his ear itching and pain for the past few days. In the morning, there is some thick, yellow earwax, and he seems to have little appetite and is quite tired. How should one treat an itchy ear in children with otitis media?
Answer
The general recommendation for treatment is to follow the doctor’s orders and give the child some symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication. If the child’s condition is severe, regional treatments such as anti-inflammatory ear drops can be combined. If the child has severe symptoms of ear pain and purulent discharge, it is advisable to use painkillers to relieve the symptoms. Some children may have a fever, in which case oral antipyretics can be given. In cases that cannot be relieved, it is necessary to seek medical attention. These are all commonly used treatment methods. However, if the child develops symptoms of tympanic membrane perforation, immediate hospital treatment and surgery are required. During the treatment period, it is important to ensure the child’s warmth and avoid exacerbating symptoms by catching a cold.