Show Ear InfectionIs your child’s ear hurting? It could be an ear infection. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Talk to your child’s doctor about the best treatment. Some ear infections, such as middle ear infections, need antibiotic treatment, but many can get better without antibiotics. What is an ear infection?There are different types of ear infections. Middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is an infection in the middle ear. Another condition that affects the middle ear is called otitis media with effusion. This condition occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear without causing an infection. Otitis media with effusion does not cause fever, ear pain, or pus build-up in the middle ear. Swimmer’s ear is an infection in the outer ear canal. Swimmer’s Ear is different from a middle ear infection. For more information, visit “Swimmer’s Ear” (Otitis Externa). CausesBacteria or viruses can cause a middle ear infection:
SymptomsCommon symptoms of middle ear infection in children can include:
When to Seek Medical CareSee a doctor if your child has:
This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.
A healthy ear including outer, middle, and inner ear. An infected ear showing inflammation and fluid in the ear. Talk to a healthcare professional right away if your child is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher. TreatmentA doctor can diagnose a middle ear infection by asking about symptoms and examining your child. The doctor will look inside your child’s ear to examine the eardrum and look for pus in the middle ear. The body’s immune system can often fight off middle ear infection on its own. Antibiotics are sometimes not needed for middle ear infections. However, severe middle ear infections or infections that last longer than 2–3 days need antibiotics right away. For mild middle ear infection, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting or delayed antibiotic prescribing.
How to Feel BetterBelow are some ways to feel better, even if antibiotics are needed for an ear infection:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Over-the-Counter Medicine and ChildrenCarefully read and follow instructions on over-the-counter medicine product labels before giving medicines to children. Some over-the-counter medicines are not recommended for children of certain ages.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size. Also, tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking. PreventionYou can help prevent ear infections by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:
What is the medicine for otitis media?High-dose amoxicillin (80 to 90 mg per kg per day) is the antibiotic of choice for treating acute otitis media in patients who are not allergic to penicillin.
What relieves the pain of otitis externa?Treatments your GP can provide. antibiotic ear drops – this can treat an underlying bacterial infection.. corticosteroid ear drops – this can help to reduce swelling.. antifungal ear drops – this can treat an underlying fungal infection.. acidic ear drops – this can help kill bacteria.. How can I ease the pain of an ear infection?Managing pain. Pain medication. Your doctor may advise the use of over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to relieve pain. Use the drugs as directed on the label. ... . Anesthetic drops. These may be used to relieve pain if the eardrum doesn't have a hole or tear in it.. What is the best antibiotic for otitis externa?Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone combination ear drops is used to treat ear infections, such as acute otitis externa and acute otitis media. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by bacteria.
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