Ear infections are one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood illnesses in the United States, states Kids Health. An ear infection occurs when fluid, such as pus, builds up in the middle ear area. The result is pain, redness of the eardrum and sometimes a fever. Pediatrician Alan Greene points out that not every ear infection requires antibiotic treatment.
Antibiotics
Doctors will prescribe an antibiotic for an infant who has frequent ear infections, suggests Kids Health. In other situations, a doctor may wait a few days to see if the ear infection symptoms improve before giving an antibiotic, a technique the "New York Times" calls watchful waiting. Some ear infections are caused by viruses, and cannot be cured with an antibiotic, so the prescription does nothing more than kill off any existing bacteria. The medication does not help drain the fluid in the ears or relieve any symptoms of an ear infection. Parents must use other treatments to remedy their baby's discomfort.
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Under the advice of a physician, parents can give an infant over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce the pain caused by an ear infection. Oral medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are safe and effective choices. Caregivers may also apply an anesthetic ear drop to the ear in place of oral medicines. These drops should not be used when the baby's ear is oozing liquid or blood, however.
Warm Compresses
Parents can apply a soft cloth warmed with hot water to the baby's ear to provide temporary relief of earaches. A hot water bottle can also be used, with a cloth in between the bottle and the skin.
Ear Tubes
When an ear infection does not go away with typical medical treatment or if the baby has persistent ear infections, a doctor may insert ear tubes to aid in draining the fluids when swelling prevents natural drainage through the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat and is an exit for fluids from the inner areas of the ear.
The National Institutes of Health explains that an ear tube procedure is the insertion of a tiny tube into the eardrum to keep a small hole open so that fluids can drain even if the eustachian tube is swollen shut. Over time these tubes will fall out or a doctor will remove them.
