Ear Infection
Brief Version
What is an ear infection?
Your child's ear may hurt when the space behind the eardrum is infected. Your child may also:
- Be cranky.
- Not be able to sleep well.
Most children will have at least one ear infection. Some will have them again and again. It is important to get the care your child needs. Good care helps prevent hearing problems and holes in the eardrum.
How can I take care of my child?
Here are some things you should know:
- Antibiotics. Your child may need an antibiotic. This medicine will kill the bacteria that cause ear infections. Your child will start to feel better in a few days. But keep giving the medicine until it is all gone. Your child's antibiotic is ___________________. Give _______, ___ times a day during waking hours for ___ days.
- Fever and pain. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help with the earache or fever over 102F (39C). No aspirin.
- Going outside. Your child can go outside. Your child does not need to cover the ears.
- Swimming. Swimming is OK as long as there is no tear in the eardrum or drainage from the ear.
- Air travel. Air travel or a trip to the mountains is safe. Have your child drink something, suck on a pacifier, or chew gum when you come back down.
Call your child's doctor right away if:
- Your child gets a stiff neck.
- Your child acts very sick.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- Your child still has pain or fever after taking the antibiotic for 48 hours.
- You have other questions or concerns.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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