An ear infection (otitis media) may be one of the most common reasons to bring your child to the pediatrician. Three out of four children have had at least one ear infection by age 3, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Signs and symptoms of an ear infection may include fever, irritability and poor feeding. You may also notice your baby or child grabbing at his ear. If you think your child may be suffering from an ear infection, contact your health care provider promptly for an appointment. There are some treatment methods for otitis media that parents should be aware of.
Waiting
In the past, almost all ear infections were treated with an oral antibiotic. Newer research suggests that taking a wait-and- see approach may allow the child to get over the ear infection without the use of antibiotics.Your child's health caregiver may offer this option if your child is over age 2, does not have pus draining from the ear, has not had an ear infection in more than three months, is otherwise healthy and will have medical follow-up within 48 hours, according to the New York State Department of Health. If your child's ear infection does not heal on its own, antibiotic treatment should begin.
Medications
Antibiotic therapy may be warranted for your child's ear infection. Children younger than six months or those who get frequent ear infections should be treated promptly. According to the Mayo Clinic, the first-choice antibiotic of many doctors is amoxicillin, although other antibiotics are effective if you or your child is allergic to amoxicillin. Your physician may also prescribe ear drops for your child. These drops are given to aid in healing and reduce pain, inflammation and discomfort. Side effects of antibiotic use may include diarrhea, poor feeding, diaper rash and oral thrush. Keep your child well hydrated to prevent dehydration in the event that the medication causes diarrhea.
Drainage Tubes
If your child is constantly suffering from ear infections and fluid build-up in his ears, a specialist may recommend the placement of drainage tubes. This is a surgical procedure that does not normally require an overnight stay in the hospital. During this procedure, which requires general anesthesia, a surgeon inserts a small drainage tube through your child's eardrum, which will help drain the fluid and equalize the pressure between the middle ear and outer ear, according to the Mayo Clinic. As your child grows, these tubes will usually fall out on their own. The use of special earplugs in the bath and pool may be recommended by your physician to keep additional water out of the ear canals.
