AskDocDoc
/
/
/
how to treat otitis media
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 : 06M : 37S
background image
Click Here
background image
Pediatric Medicine
Question #26935
90 days ago
171

how to treat otitis media - #26935

Aradhya

I am really struggling over here with my 5-year-old who seems to have back-to-back ear infections. The doctor says it’s otitis media, but honestly, I am lost about how to treat otitis media effectively. Last month, he had one that left him in pain all night and we ended up at the ER because he was just crying and complaining his ear hurt sooo much. They gave him antibiotics, and at first, it seemed to work but now he's got another one and I don’t want to just keep pumping him with meds if I can help it. I’ve been trying home remedies like warm compresses and even putting some olive oil in his ear – does that do anything? I hear mixed things about how to treat otitis media, like some people say to let it run its course but what if he’s in pain? We tried these herbal teas others suggested as well but it feels like nothing is actually working. Is there something we’re missing? Should I expect recurring episodes, or will he eventually grow out of it? What do all of you do when faced with how to treat otitis media? Any tips would be sooo helpful, feel like I’m at my wits end here!

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

When dealing with otitis media, especially recurrent cases in young children, it can certainly be challenging and frustrating. Otitis media is often the result of an infection or inflammation behind the eardrum, typically caused by bacteria or viruses. While antibiotics can be effective in treating bacterial infections, they’re not always necessary or beneficial for viral ones. First, it’s important to confirm whether the current episode is indeed bacterial—which would warrant antibiotics—or if it might resolve on its own. For bacterial infections, completing the prescribed course of antibiotics is crucial, even if symptoms improve. For pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease discomfort. Warm compresses or heat pads can offer some temporary relief too, but avoid putting anything like olive oil in your child’s ear, as this can potentially cause more harm than good.

Keeping the child in an upright position during sleep or rest might reduce ear pressure and pain. Ensure he stays hydrated, as this can help thin mucus and promote drainage. If these episodes are recurrent as you’ve experienced, it’s worth consulting an ENT specialist to explore further potential causes or treatments, such as an evaluation for ear tube surgery if infections are very persistent. That can help with ventilation in the middle ear and decrease infection frequency. While some children do tend to outgrow ear infections as their eustachian tubes mature, consistent medical evaluation is essential to rule out underlying issues. Avoid using herbal teas or unverified home remedies that might not be effective or could interfere with more appropriate treatments. Remember to watch for any symptoms worsening, like high fever, lethargy, or ear discharge, as these could indicate a more serious condition needing immediate medical attention.

20258 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.


How to treat swelling and redness on my child's penis with pain?
Posterior closes time and head circumference
first aid for diarrhoea
medicine for loose motion for 6 year old
hot milk burn treatment
what cause dengue
What are the possible causes and treatments for my child's involuntary stool leakage and chronic constipation?
loose motion and vomiting home remedies
is viral fever dangerous
Tomato flu medicine
is eye flu is dangerous
fever duration
pneumonia in toddlers when to go to hospital
asthma in children symptoms
tomato fever
asthma symptoms in child
Can I let my 2 year old son rest with a 103 fever and cough, or should I take him to the ER?
Dast lagne per kya chahie
when loose motion occurs what to eat
in loose motion which juice is good
eyes flu ke lakshan
Home remedy for diarrhoea
foreskin disorders
medicine for loose motion for 10 year old
pneumonia treatment for baby
potty loose motion
how to stop loose motion for 2 year baby
What to do if my child has involuntary stool leakage and difficulty controlling bowel movements?
what is symptoms of viral fever
3-year-old with fever, vomiting, and mild stomach pain, improving but still concerned
home remedy for loose motion in babies
loose motion gharelu upchar
symptoms of tomato flu
medicine for gastroenteritis
definition of pneumonia in child
fever diet
baby indigestion natural remedy
surgical management of pneumonia in child
Loose motion cure at home
remedy for viral fever
What is wrong with my baby, I have been going to hospital regularly for the past 2 years
which fruit is good for cough and cold
viral fever treatment medicine
can we use nalpamaradi thailam daily
what causes allergy
Is it harmful to use a dirty dropper for my baby's medicine?
what causes common cold
Can I cetrizine hydrochloride, prednisolone and Amoxicillin to a 12 year old?
what to do for loose motion at home
loose motion home remedies for 3 year old baby
is mosambi good for cough
Questions about Newborn Fracture Recovery
pneumonia in infants symptoms
How to to reduce leg shivering problem
causes of pneumonia in children
viral fever spread
vomiting and loose motion medicine
bacho me pneumonia ke lakshan
best syrup for loose motion
home remedy for loose motion and vomiting
Why my leg start shivering after doing some exercises and stress on my leg
What to do if my baby has a persistent cough and cold?
how long does viral fever last
how long does otitis media last
viral pneumonia in children
Tomato fever symptoms in tamil
viral fever means
asthma in kids diagnostic
bache ke pet me infection ho to kya kare
viral fever last for how many days
best antibiotic for viral fever
speech therapy types
Can viral fever last for 5 days?
ors benefits
asthma symptoms in kids
anu my baby
home remedies for stomach infection in babies
how long viral infection last
eye flu treatment medicine
best food for fever patients
childhood asthma symptoms
seasonal fever
fever patient food
Understanding My Child's Blood Test Results and Ongoing Fever
medicine for kids loose motion
Fever from last night for my twin kids
tomato flu caused by which virus
Concerns About Breast Milk Supply and Baby's Health
home remedy for vomiting and loose motion
Home remedies for stomach infection in babies
loose motions remedy at home
pneumonia in babies
will viral fever spread
Concerns About My Baby's Wheezing Sound
My cough makes my head hurt like it’s pressure
how to get rid of stomach worms home remedies
is tomato flu dangerous
What to do for my 3.5-month-old baby with persistent watery diarrhea for 12 days after taking Flagyl?
tomato fever symptoms
benefits of ors