Will not remove fluid from your child’s middle ear.
Won’t kill the infection if it is caused by a virus.
Will not eliminate pain within 24 hours.
Can cause side effects.
Can cause antibiotic resistance.
If your child suffers from chronic middle ear infection, her pediatrician may put her on a daily regime of antibiotics. This will prevent middle ear infections from recurring. Infants, toddlers and children under six years, or those who are suffering from severe or terminal illness may need a course of antibiotics as soon as the symptoms occur. This also applies to children who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome or cleft palate.
Check Ups
If your child has middle ear infection with effusion, physical examinations by her pediatrician should be scheduled at least twice a year.
Pain Relief
Whether or not your child’s pediatrician prescribes a round of antibiotics, you can help to relive his pain by giving him acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which can be purchased at any drugstore or pharmacy. Do not give your child aspirin; it has been linked to Reye’s syndrome in children who have experienced viral infections.
Eardrops
Ask your child’s pediatrician if you can use eardrops for pain relief. Never instill eardrops into your child’s ear if the eardrum has ruptured.
Ear Infection Prevention
A family history of ear infection cannot be changed, but lifestyle choices can minimize the chance of your child coming down with one.
Breastfeed your baby for at least six months.
Never allow your child to be exposed to cigarette smoke.
Try to reduce your child’s exposure to large groups of his peers. Colds and respiratory infections are contagious and these lead to middle ear infection.
Wash your hands and teach your child to wash his hands frequently. This minimizes the transfer of germs and bacteria.