Question
A 8-year-old boy, in elementary school, has been complaining of ear pain for the past few days. There is yellowish earwax discharge, accompanied by headaches and fever. How should itchy ears in children with middle ear infection be treated?
Answer
When treating such conditions, it is advisable to administer symptomatic antibiotic medication to the child, and also consider regional treatment methods, such as using anti-inflammatory ear drops. Depending on the child’s condition, painkillers may be considered, particularly when the ear pain is severe, which can help alleviate the discomfort. If the child has a fever, parents can give the child fever-reducing medication or take them to the hospital immediately. In cases of recurrent acute severe episodes or if there is already a perforation of the eardrum, immediate surgical treatment should be sought. During the treatment period, it is important to ensure that the child receives adequate nutrition, with a diet mainly consisting of light and easily digestible foods, and to ensure sufficient rest and avoid fatigue.