Ear Infection
If your child is verbal and complains of ear pain, or crying and tugging of the ear in a younger child, you may use a warm pack applied externally over the ear to help alleviate the pain. You may also give a dose of Tylenol or ibuprofen. If ear pain inconveniently happens at night, continue comfort care until the morning and call our office to make an appointment.
If the pain is not improved with the above measures or there is drainage of fluid or blood from the ear, call the provider.
Ear infections are caused by viruses or bacteria that enters through the nose or mouth. This creates an upper respiratory infection where fluid enters the middle ear. This fluid may cause some pressure feeling or may get infected and cause inflammation of the eardrum. Your provider will be able to discuss with you antibiotic treatment versus “watchful waiting” after evaluation.