Question
A 2-year-old boy has been constantly tugging at his ears and complaining of itching this week. Upon inspection, there’s a lot of yellow earwax, along with a buzzing sound in his ear and a slight fever. How should one treat itchy ears in children with middle ear infection?
Answer
Treating pediatric middle ear infection first involves giving the child symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication. Parents can also consider complementary regional treatments, such as using anti-inflammatory ear drops. If the symptoms are primarily ear pain, painkillers may be considered. If the child also has a high fever, it may be appropriate to administer fever-reducing medication. However, if the fever persists, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly. In cases of repeated acute severe infections or if there is a perforation of the eardrum, timely surgical treatment is necessary. During the treatment period, it is important to ensure the child receives adequate nutrition, with a diet primarily consisting of light and easy-to-digest foods. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure the child gets plenty of rest and avoids fatigue.