When your child has an ear infection, what do you do? Do you run to the doctor for antibiotics, or do you watch and wait and see what happens? Often a childhood ear infection will run its course in the same amount of time with or without antibiotics!
For the last few years, the American Academy of Pediatrics has been suggesting watchful waiting for ear infections that are not severe. The drawback to over-using antibiotics is that your body (and the bacteria) can become resistant to antibiotics over time.
When to watch and wait:
- If your child is still eating and drinking regularly
- If your child’s fever is not above 102 degrees
- If the pain is not severe
When to call the doctor:
- If the pain is great, or increases
- If the fever rises above 102.2 degrees
- If your child’s energy level changes
- If the situation does not improve after 48-72 hours
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that if you are using the watch and wait method, focus on pain relief, especially in the first twenty-four hours. Use appropriate doses of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and do not give aspirin. If the ear infection does not improve after 48-72 hours, the child may need antibiotics.
Here are some things to do that may help prevent earaches:
- The pneumococcal vaccine and/or flu vaccine may help prevent ear infections caused by certain types of bacteria
- Limit pacifier use and/or thumb sucking. The sucking can interfere with fluid drainage in the ear.
- Avoid secondhand smoke! Smoke can make Eustachian tubes swell, which will impair drainage. Behind those swollen tubes may be a warm, dark, wet breeding ground for bacteria.
- Breastfeed your newborn for at least six months to provide your child with your own natural immune-boosters!
- When you bottle feed, be sure your baby sits upright so that the liquid drains properly.