In most cases a middle ear infection will vanish within three days without the use of antibiotics. If your child’s pediatrician prescribes a round of antibiotics, they are usually taken over the course of ten days. Children who are over the age of six may only be prescribed a seven day round.
Even after a round of a prescribed antibiotic has been given, fluid may remain in the middle ear for a few months. This is especially true if the infection was extremely severe.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you believe your child has an ear infection, he should be examined by his pediatrician. She will know his medical history and will perform a physical examination in order to make a diagnosis. She will look into your child’s ear with a small tool called an otoscope. It looks very similar to a tiny flashlight and allows her to see the eardrum. After the examination is complete, the pediatrician will use the information she has collected to manage your child’s middle ear infection. The factors include:
The severity and type of ear infection that your child has.
Your child’s history of ear infections.
How long your child has had the ear infection.
The age of your child.
If your child’s hearing is being affected.
All risk factors.
An open communication between you and your child’s pediatrician is very important, as you will have some say in the course of treatment.
Many pediatricians will suggest waiting a few days to see if the infection clears on its own. If this is decided, she will prescribe a medication to relieve pain so your child will find some relief.