← All guides · Ear, nose and throat
Ear infection in a child: treatment and follow-up
child ear infection · otitis media · earache in kids · middle ear infection
The doctor checks your child's ear and decides how to treat the infection. Often this means pain relief and watching, and sometimes antibiotics.
When your child has an earache or a fever, sleeps badly, touches the ear, or has fluid coming out of the ear.
⏱ Duration: the visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes; an ear infection usually goes away in a few days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Pain relief. Before the visit, you can give a children's fever reducer in a dose based on weight. Tell the doctor what you gave.
- Ear drops. Do not put anything in the ear before it is checked, especially if fluid is coming out.
- Your child. Explain to your child that the doctor will look into the ear with a little light.
What to bring
- Your child's ID
- A list of medicines
- A toy
- Notes of your child's temperature
How it goes
- The doctor asks about the symptoms
- The ear is checked with an otoscope, a small light with a cone
- The doctor looks at the throat and nose
- Sometimes hearing is checked
- The doctor explains the treatment plan and when to come back
What you'll feel
- The exam does not hurt, but it may be uncomfortable if the ear is inflamed
- Your child may be scared. Hold them on your lap
Afterwards
- Give medicines exactly as the doctor prescribed
- If an antibiotic is prescribed, do not stop it early
- Keep the sore ear dry if fluid is coming out
- Go to the follow-up visit as planned, even if your child is better
- Hearing is checked if fluid stays in the ear
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A fever over 39°C, or a fever lasting more than 2 to 3 days
- Swelling and redness behind the ear, or the ear sticks out
- Your child is limp, has a severe headache, vomits, or has a stiff neck: call emergency services
- Blood comes from the ear, or pus does not get less
Common questions
Is an antibiotic always needed?
No. Many ear infections go away on their own. The doctor will decide based on age and symptoms.
Can my child go outside with an ear infection?
If there is no fever and your child feels well, usually yes. Ask the doctor.