AskDocDoc
/
/
/
how long does otitis media last
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 53M : 59S
background image
Click Here
background image
Pediatric Medicine
Question #26819
45 days ago
81

how long does otitis media last - #26819

Shivam

I am really worried about my son. Last week he started pulling at his ear and crying, so I took him to the pediatrician, and they said he has otitis media. I kinda thought it was just a cold at first, but now I’m trying to figure out how long does otitis media last? The doctor didn’t really say much about the duration! We started antibiotics, and I’ve read that some kids get better in just a few days, but others drag on for weeks. He seems super tired and just not himself, and every time he gets up in the morning, he complains again. It’s been almost four days since we started meds, and I thought he’d feel better by now! I mean, how long does otitis media last usually? I saw some stuff online saying that it can linger for a while, which freaks me out more. Plus, he’s not a fan of the ear drops we were suggested, so I wonder if that’s impacting how long this thing is sticking around. Is there a reason some kids recover quicker than others? Are there signs I should be looking for? I don’t want to be that overprotective mom, but I’m losing sleep over this, just want him to feel better soon!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Otitis media, or middle ear infection, can vary in duration, usually it progresses over about 7 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on several factors. Many children show improvement within a few days of starting antibiotics, though full recovery might take about a week or so. If your son seems unusually tired or uncomfortable, this could be a normal part of his body fighting off the infection, but if there’s no sign of improvement after 48 to 72 hours on antibiotics, or he’s worsening, it’s important to revisit the pediatrician. These infections can linger if the bacteria are particularly stubborn or if the fluid in the middle ear takes time to resolve, which sometimes leads to persistent symptoms even after pain and fever reduce. With ear infections, ear drops often help manage pain, but resistance from your son might be affecting how effectively they’re working. For some children, fluid might persist in the ear for several weeks without infection, causing discomfort or hearing issues. Keep an eye out for persistent high fever, severe pain, or new symptoms as red flags, needing prompt medical review. Ensuring your son drinks plenty of fluids, rests, and follows the entire antibiotic course can enhance recovery. Over-the-counter pain relief, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage discomfort, but always consult with your doctor regarding dosage and frequency, especially if your child isn’t responding as expected or you have any specific concerns.

19405 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


benefits of ors
virus that causes fever for 5 days
ors side effects
symptoms of viral fever in kids
how long does an ear infection last
viral fever means
What should I know about my 10-year-old daughter's kidney condition and teratoma found in her MRI?
stomach cramps in children-home remedies
is ors good for health
conjunctivitis eye flu
What could cause my 1.5-month-old baby's stomach to appear bigger even with normal bowel movements?
how to treat an ear infection at home
Why does my baby have a big stomach but normal bowel movements?
loose motion home remedies for 3 year old baby
asthma in kids diagnostic
vomiting and loose motion medicine
does ors reduce loose motion
My baby isn't gaining weight don't know why,am giving him formula bcoz my breast doesn't produce milk why?
How to treat phimosis caused by snapped banjo string
How long can a viral fever last?
Home remedies for stomach infection in babies
Concerns About My Baby's Wheezing Sound
is eye flu is dangerous
loose motion instant relief
Can I let my 2 year old son rest with a 103 fever and cough, or should I take him to the ER?
potty loose motion
Why is my 6 month old poop green? And what remedy can I do
vomit and loose motion home remedy
Height prediction
what is the best antibiotic for gastroenteritis?
seasonal fever
best antibiotic for eye flu
loose motion and vomiting home remedies
first aid for diarrhoea
Can viral fever last for 5 days?
Monthold baby does not lift his head during tummy time
How to reduce Productive cough during sleep
What is wrong with my baby, I have been going to hospital regularly for the past 2 years
health education for pneumonia
drink for diarrhea
tablet to control loose motions
viral fever for how many days
eye flu treatment medicine
Delayed puberty
pneumonia in babies
best antibiotic for viral fever
Dast lagne per kya chahie
How to relieve phlegm in my baby who has a persistent cough and cold?
Viral fever is contagious
does camphor kill lice eggs
viral fever cough
danger signs of pneumonia in infants
Bite
bache ko nimoniya ke lakshan
How much Vitamin D3 syrup should I give my 12-day-old baby each day?
viral fever temperature range
what causes allergy
symptoms of pneumonia in babies
bacho ke pet me infection ke gharelu upay
how to treat baby eczema
Sleep cycle of infant of 2 months
what is symptoms of viral fever
speech therapy types
My months son facing skin issues
What to do if my 11-month-old daughter vomits after eating semi-liquid food and has a fever?
is viral fever dangerous
asthma symptoms in kids
loose motion gharelu upchar
tomato fever symptoms in babies
can cold cause loose motion
what causes viral fever
symptoms of tomato flu
fever patient food
Can I let my 2-year-old son rest at home with a fever of 103.3 and a cough, or should I take him to the ER?
what to do for loose motion at home
What to do if my 11-month-old daughter vomits after eating semi-liquid food and has a fever?
about The breast feeding and formula milk
What should I do if my 2-year-old daughter only says a few words but understands normally?
instant relief from vomiting
what is otitis media
how long can a child have diabetes without knowing
kids asthma symptoms
tomato fever
how eye flu is caused
medicine for kids loose motion
Why my leg start shivering after doing some exercises and stress on my leg
6 month baby loose motion home remedies
precautions in summer season
causes of pneumonia in children
pneumonia symptoms in babies
home remedies loose motion during teething
when loose motion occurs what to eat
child pneumonia symptoms
Home remedies for loose motion in kids
pneumonia in baby symptoms
How to predict my adult height based on my growth history at 14 years old?
pneumonia treatment for baby
Posterior closes time and head circumference
in loose motion which juice is good
preventive eye drops for conjunctivitis