Ear Infection & Ear Aches

Your child should be seen for a sick visit to determine if symptoms are secondary to a swimmer’s ear, middle ear infection, congestion from allergies, sore throat or teething. The type of treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include oral antibiotics, ear drops, allergy nose sprays or oral allergy medicine. It can take up to three days for the discomfort of an ear infection to improve once antibiotics are started.

What to do about an ear ache

• Give an appropriate dose of a pain reliever (Tylenol or Motrin)
• Have the child sit upright for about 30 minutes
• Have the child take a drink, which may equalize pressure on both sides of the eardrum