For most children, ear infections cause relatively mild symptoms that will eventually resolve on their own. In the event an infection leads to more serious symptoms, medication may be beneficial. Here are some medications that can be used to treat common ear infections in kids.
Most paediatric ear infections heal on their own with bed rest and home remedies. To manage discomfort, doctors may recommend non-prescription medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These medications can also address fever, which may accompany other symptoms. Some medications can be administered directly into the ear in the form of drops for immediate pain relief.
Ear infections can sometimes result from bacteria, in which case antibiotic medications may be beneficial. However, most paediatricians prefer to monitor the condition first before prescribing medications. The decision to administer antibiotics usually depends on the factors below:
Younger children, meaning those from 6 through 23 months, and those with more serious symptoms are most likely to receive medication for an ear infection.
Home remedies can be helpful for keeping children with ear infections comfortable as they recover. These include:
You can also take steps to prevent your child from developing ear infections in the future. With babies, feeding them in an upright position can prevent fluid from entering their ears. As for older children, instruct them on proper handwashing and other methods of avoiding common illness like cold and flu.