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This
is an infection behind the ear drum. The medical term is "otitis
media." Ear infections often follow the common cold.
It
may cause a fever. The pressure on the ear drum causes pain. Rarely,
the ear drum can break, causing drainage of pus or fluid or blood
from the ear.
Treatment
Give
your child the antibiotic as prescribed until it is finished. Inadequate
treatment can result in hearing loss or other more serious complications
like meningitis or mastoiditis.
If
there is no improvement within 2 days, the child should be seen
by your family doctor.
If
there is an improvement, the ear should be rechecked by your family
doctor in 10-14 days when the antibiotic is finished.
Acetaminophen
may be given for fever or pain.
After
the infection is gone, fluid may persist in the middle ear for some
weeks. Your family doctor will follow this.
