The American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that physicians take a “wait and see” approach to the treatment of otitis media in many cases. Most infections will resolve spontaneously within two weeks with the pain significantly reduced within three to four days.  Watch children aged 6 months to 23 months who have a temperature less than 102.2 °F (39 °C), have only mild ear pain in one ear, and who have symptoms less than 48 hours. Watch children 24 months or older who have mild pain in one or both ears with a temperature of less than 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit and symptoms less than 48 hours. Children with the following medical conditions are not candidates for a “wait and see” approach: children with cleft palate, children with Down’s Syndrome, children with underlying immune system disorders, children under six months old, and children with a history of recurrent middle ear infections. In some circumstances, the physician will recommend antibiotics at the first visit for treatment of an ear infection, especially for infants under six months, children with moderate to severe pain, children with a temp of 102.2 Fahrenheit or higher, or children from six months to 23 months with bilateral ear infections. Secondary effects from a middle ear infection in a child or an adult can result in an infection in another part of the head and even the brain, permanent hearing loss, or paralysis of a nerve in the  face.  Although the antibiotics will address the growth of bacteria in the middle ear, it takes a couple of days for reduction in pressure and the pain to get better.  Watch for side effects from antibiotics. Some children can experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from the use of antibiotics. Whether or not antibiotics are prescribed, the child or adult will continue to experience pain and pressure until the infection begins to clear. Relieve that pain using the following strategies: Administer Tylenol or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain and reduce the fever. Consult with your physician about which over-the-counter medication is preferred and how much to give your child. Do not give aspirin to children as it has been linked to Reye’s Syndrome. You can use a warm cloth or warm water bottle over the affected ear to help the pain. Ensure that the heat will not burn the skin. If moist heat is used, the warm cloth should be in a water tight plastic bag. Applying warm, moist heat over the external ear can increase the risk of a swimmer’s ear infection. If there is extreme pain, ask your doctor for ear drops that can help. These can be used only if the eardrum or tympanic membrane has not ruptured. If it has, the medication or drops can get inside the middle ear and cause damage. Many of the drops that were used in the past have been taken off of the market and are no longer available. Ask your doctor if drops can or should be used for your child. Garlic has antimicrobial effects and can help fight the infection naturally. Slightly warmed olive oil can soothe the tympanic membrane and reduce pain and inflammation.  Nothing should be used in the external ear if the person has tubes placed in the eardrum or if you suspect the eardrum has ruptured. Oils, medications (unless prescribed specifically for a ruptured eardrum), or pain ear drops should not enter the middle ear. Never use oil that is too warm because it can burn the ear. The oil should be tested against the inner wrist. Limit the activities of the affected person based on how she feels. A middle ear infection is not life-threatening and doesn’t require that you restrict all activities. If she feels up to going out, then it’s fine to go out. The same is true for adults. If the child is not cranky and appears up to the activity planned, there is no reason not to continue with the plans.
الانتظار. العلاج بالمضادات الحيوية. تخفيف الألم. ضع الكمادات الدافئة. اسأل عن قطرات الأذن. اسأل الطبيب عن زيت الثوم أو زيت الزيتون. الحد من ممارسة الأنشطة.