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20611 Watertown Road Waukesha, WI 53186

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Friday 8am-4pm
Saturday 8am-10am

Evening Appointments available as late 6:45pm
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Child Ear Infection Symptoms and Treatment

Definition of Ear Infection

Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media) is inflammation and accumulation of fluid or pus behind the ear drum. This is different from an external or “swimmer’s” ear.

Ear Infection Facts

Symptoms may include earache, fever, runny nose, congestion, drainage from ear, irritability, inability to sleep, hearing loss, or ear pulling.
Ear infections are very common in children under 5 years of age with peak occurrence between 6 and 24 months. This results from eustachian tube blockage, which occurs more frequently in children.
Ear infections are a common complication of an upper respiratory infection.
Middle ear infections are not caused by swimming, windy days, or lack of wearing hats.
Ear pain often develops at night. Treat your child to help relieve pain that evening and call in the morning for an appointment. It is not necessary for your child to be seen immediately at night because a single dose of antibiotic will not relieve pain.

Treatment of Ear Infection

Call during office hours for appointment. Children with suspected ear infections need to be seen for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Acetaminophen for pain. (See dosage chart in Fever section.)
If available at home, Auralgan ear drops (prescription) may help relieve pain: instill 3 – 4 drops into ear canal. Do not use Auralgan when ears are draining, as the ear drum may have ruptured.
Heating pad or hot water bottle to ear may help relieve pain.