Instructions

• Instructions for new users

Call 911 Now If:

• Not moving or very weak

Call Your Doctor Now If:

• Your child looks or acts very sick
• Earache is severe and not improved 2 hours after taking ibuprofen
• Pink or red swelling behind the ear
• Stiff neck (can't touch chin to chest)
• Fever > 105°F (40.6°C)
• Pointed object was inserted into the ear canal (e.g., a pencil, stick or wire)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

• All other earaches, but none of the symptoms described above (probably ear infection)

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

• See other columns for appropriate advice

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

(Until your child can be seen)

Reassurance

Your child may have an ear infection, but it doesn't sound serious. Diagnosis and treatment can safely wait until morning if the earache begins after 5 p.m.

Pain Medicine

Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief or for fever > 102°F (39°C).

Local Cold

Apply a cold pack or a cold wet wash cloth to the outer ear for 20 minutes to reduce pain while the pain medicine takes effect. (Note: Some children prefer local heat for 20 minutes).

Avoid Earplugs

If pus or cloudy fluid is draining from the ear canal, the eardrum has ruptured from an ear infection. Wipe the pus away as it appears. Avoid plugging with cotton. (Reason: retained pus causes irritation or infection of the ear canal).

Eardrops

Prescription eardrops or olive oil drops for pain aren't safe if your child has ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum. Therefore don't use eardrops unless your doctor recommends them.

Contagiousness

Ear infections are not contagious.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Your child develops severe pain
• Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms