Ear infection 2

Pain:

    • Controlling the pain until the patient can be seen is the primary problem.
    • The most severe pain occurs when an infection comes on rapidly, because of rapid stretching of the eardrum.
    • The pain usually resolves if an eardrum ruptures and you will see discharge coming out of the ear.
    • Give appropriate dosages of paracetamol or ibuprofen.
    • A stronger analgesia, Pain-stop ( combines paracetamol, codeine +/- promethazine ) is available for older children, over the counter. 
    • If you have ear drops ( Auralgan ) in the house for pain, these may be used as long as there is no discharge from the ear.
    • A warm compress / hair dryer over the ear may be helpful.

Antibiotics.

  • Your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics when your child is diagnosed with an acute ear infection.
  • Some ear infections may not need antibiotics depending on the situation. 
  • Make sure you keep the medicine refrigerated if instructed.
  • Some antibiotics are taken with food and others must be taken on a empty stomach and some can be taken either way.
  • Antibiotics that may be taken with food, may be mixed in with food, like applesauce or pudding or drinks.
  • However, you must make sure the child will take the full dosage, so mix it with a small amount of the food or drink.
  • Symptoms of the earache should improve within 48 hours of starting the antibiotic.
  • The congestion and cough do not necessarily improve with antibiotics.
  • Antibiotics do have an expiration date, so be sure to discard after that date.
  • Complete the entire course of antibiotics as directed, usually seven days, but some newer antibiotics only need to be taken for five days

Over-the-counter medications.

  • Antihistamine and decongestant combinations do not  prevent ear infections when used to treat cold symptoms

Adenoids.

  • Adenoids are lymph tissue (related to the tonsils) located behind the nasal passage but are not visible by physical exam to the doctor.
  • Because they are close to the eustachian tube, they may affect eustachian tube function and contribute to frequent ear infections when the adenoids are enlarged.
  • Signs of large adenoids include snoring and open mouth breathing.
  • If your doctor suspects large adenoids may be causing frequent ear infections, they may recommend surgery to have them removed
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