COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND CONDITIONS

OTITIS MEDIA (MIDDLE EAR INFECTIONS)

Middle ear infections are normal and rarely serious, but quite painful for children. They're caused by either a bacterial or viral infection behind the ear­drum and are the most common complication of a cold. Most bacterial ear infec­tions respond well to antibiotics within 36-48 hours of starting them. However, some children may require a second course of antibiotics before the infection is completely gone. Viral ear infections will resolve on their own. Some temporary hearing loss may also be evident.

SPECIAL NOTES:

(1) Some kids play with their ears when they teethe. It's always better to have possible ear infections checked. This is never a waste of time. (2) Ear infec­tions are not caused by water, shampoo in the ears, or not wearing hat in the wind.
Symptoms of earaches might include any combination of the following:

• Complaints by the child
• Inconsolable crying during the night followed by daytime crankiness
• Fever
• General cold symptoms
• Decreased sucking in infants

Children with earaches should be seen by their doctor. Please call during office hours to make an appointment.

HOME CARE UNTIL YOU SEE THE DOCTOR:

• Give acetaminophen/ibuprofen in recommended doses for pain
• Put an ice bag or wet washcloth over the painful ear. Although some children are relieved using a hot water bottle like this, most find greater relief with cold.
• Avoid putting anything in the ear unless directed otherwise by the doctor
  

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF:

• The pain is extreme despite appropriate use of medication. (Please remember that you need to allow antibiotics 48 hours to work).
• The neck is stiff
• The earache follows injury to the ear
• Your child is acting very sick
• You notice pus or a bloody discharge
• Your child experiences extreme pain and tenderness behind the ear