OTITIS MEDIA / EAR INFECTION

Consideration for middle ear infection is given to any child who develops these symptoms:

• Irritability
• Frequent crying
• Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting
• Pulling on the ear lobes
• Sore throat
• Drowsiness
• Hearing problems
• Ear pain
• Drainage from the ear
• Abdominal pain

Remember: Acute otitis media occurs in 30% of patients presenting with acute bacterial meningitis.

Middle ear infection is a common occurrence in infants and teenagers. It almost makes it important to have your child's ears checked each time he/she makes a visit to the doctor. Some children may be perfectly asymptomatic but yet harbor ear infections; therefore, direct visual examination by a trained professional goes a long way in making an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment
Treatment for ear infection, usually consist of antibiotics, as most of the causes of ear infection are bacterial. Make sure that the appropriate antibiotics for the appropriate age of your child and in an appropriate amount is given. Most treatments last about 7-14 days.