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Many ear infections will go away without antibiotics within about two days. Using this approach reduces the likelihood of developing strains that are resistant to antibiotics. But it is best to take your child to the doctor when you first suspect an ear infection, to be sure that it is an ear infection. Your doctor may recommend waiting if: Your child is older than six months and under two years old, has mild discomfort in one ear for less than two days, and a temperature below 102 F (38.9 C). Your child is two years old or older, has mild discomfort in one or both ears for less than two days, and a temperature below 102 F (38.9 C). Ear aches can cause significant discomfort and some of these techniques may lessen your child's pain and help him sleep at night. You can try: Warmth. Put a warm, damp washcloth over the infected ear. This may reduce your child's discomfort. Pain medication, if your doctor approves it. Ask your doctor whether you should give your child over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) or Ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, and others). Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers because it may be associated with Reye's syndrome. Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, cefdinir, or augmentin may help clear up a severe bacterial ear infection. They will not be effective against a viral ear infection. If your child does receive antibiotics, be sure to give her the entire course as prescribed, even if your child feels better right away. This will help prevent resistant strains from evolving. Your doctor is particularly likely to recommend antibiotics in the following circumstances: A temperature greater than 102 F (38.9 C) Moderate or severe pain in one or both ears An infection that has lasted two days or more Fluid buildup and ear infections can cause long-term damage and hearing loss if not alleviated. If your child has had more than three ear infections in six months, four infections in a year, or fluid that does not go away after infection is gone, your doctor may suggest ear tubes. The doctor makes a small hole in the eardrum and sucks the fluid out of the ear. A small tube is put in the hole to enable air to flow to the middle ear and future fluid buildup to drain. Depending upon the type of tube used, they will either come out on their own after six to 12 months or they will be surgically removed when the doctor feels they are no longer needed. The eardrum will heal after the tubes are removed. The procedure is be done under general anesthesia. It takes about 15 minutes and is an outpatient procedure. It can be very difficult for parents to wait to see if the infection will go away when their child is in pain and crying. But avoid the temptation of trying home remedies that are unlikely to help. If you do decide to try an alternative treatment, always talk to your doctor before you do. Some may have side effects or interfere with other medications. Do not attempt alternative remedies without first consulting your doctor. Some common ones include: Homeopathic remedies of herbs or minerals. These supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration the way other foods and medical products are. This means that the dosage and ingredient mixtures are often unreliable. It is better not to use these products on a sick child. Chiropractic treatments. Scientific studies have not found this to be effective. Chiropraxis can also be dangerous if your child's skeleton is manipulated in a way that causes injury. Xylitol. This may prevent, but not treat ear infections. However, the dosages that are required often cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. The Mayo Clinic advises against this option. Probiotics. These are available as oral medications and sprays, however scientific studies have produced mixed results.
Give it time to heal on its own if your doctor recommends that. Use home therapies to manage your child's discomfort. Try antibiotics. Discuss ear tubes with the doctor. Avoid ineffective or dangerous remedies.