Question
A boy, 8 years old, is in elementary school. In recent days, he has told me that his ear hurts a bit. I noticed that the earwax is a bit thick and yellowish, and his appetite is not good, and his throat also feels uncomfortable. How should one treat a child with otitis media who has difficulty hearing and speaking?
Answer
The first step in treating pediatric otitis media is for parents to give their child some symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication. Parents can also administer topical anti-inflammatory ear drops for regional treatment. If the child’s main symptom is ear pain, it is recommended that parents give some painkillers to relieve the pain. Some children may also have a fever, in which case they can take oral antipyretics. If the symptoms cannot be relieved, it is necessary to seek medical attention. In addition to these drug treatment methods, if the child’s condition is severe and there is a perforation of the eardrum, hospital surgery may be required. During the treatment period, it is important to ensure that the child receives adequate nutrition, with a diet mainly consisting of light and easy-to-digest foods. It is also important to ensure that the child gets plenty of rest and avoids fatigue.