Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infections)
Antibiotics are not always the answer!
By the age of 3, most children will have had at least one middle ear infection, also called Otitis Media. Symptoms can include:
- Ear pain/pulling
- Fussiness and/or poor sleep
- Fever
- Trouble hearing
- Headache
80% of childhood ear infections resolve without antibiotics.
This is especially true if:
- Your child is 2 years old or older
- Pain is mild, occasional, goes away with medication,
or is on one side only - There are no fevers, or fevers are mild (<102˚F)
Treatment should start with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain/fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. (Ibuprofen should only be given if 6 months of age or older), as needed. See your pediatrician to determine if an infection is present, and antibiotics may be required if:
- Your child is under 2 years old
- Severe pain or high fever (>102˚F) are present
- Symptoms are not improving within 48-72hrs
- Drainage from the ear or eyes occurs at that same time
