How Do You Treat Ear Infections In Toddlers?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) say that ear infections, also called otitis media, are the most common illnesses in babies and children. Symptoms of an ear infection in toddlers may include an increase in crying, tugging at or pulling on ears, ear drainage and trouble sleeping. Most ear infections clear up on their own and require little more than palliative measures. Give your toddler an over-the-counter pain reliever. Acetaminophen helps to relieve pain and reduce fever, and ibuprofen helps with pain, fever and inflammation. The Mayo Clinic suggests giving the child prescription ear drops with an anesthetic that numbs the ear to further treat pain from infection. Warm the drops slightly before placing in the child’s ears. Lay the child on a flat surface with the infected ear facing upward. Place a warm compress over the ear to alleviate pain. The warmth and moisture will feel soothing. Pediatrician Dr. William Sears also suggests placing a drop of warm, not hot, olive, vegeta
