Most childhood ear infections clear on their own within 3 days - the NHS is explicit that antibiotics are usually not needed. What helps: child-dosed acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever, fluids, rest, and nothing put in the ear.
Antibiotics are for specific cases: babies under 6 months, both ears, severe or not improving after 3 days, ear discharge, or immune problems. Urgent help for: swelling or redness behind the ear, stiff neck, severe headache, unusual drowsiness, non-blanching rash, or a baby under 3 months with fever of 38C or more. Three or more infections in six months deserves a specialist opinion. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you judge whether tonight needs a doctor.
What to do
Common questions
What helps a child's ear infection?
Most childhood ear infections are viral and clear on their own within 3 days - the NHS is explicit that they usually do not need antibiotics. What helps while it runs its course: child-dosed acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever (the real treatment for the misery), plenty of fluids, rest, and keeping the child home while feverish. Do not put anything in the ear - no cotton swabs, no oil, no ear candles. Decongestants and antihistamines do not help ear infections; save your money. Antibiotics enter the picture for specific cases: babies under 6 months, infections in both ears, symptoms severe or not improving after 3 days, discharge from the ear, or children with immune problems. Watch-and-wait for 2 to 3 days with pain relief is now standard practice for older children with mild cases, precisely because most clear alone. Get help urgently for: swelling, redness, or the ear sticking out behind the ear, a stiff neck, severe headache, unusual drowsiness, a non-blanching rash, or a baby under 3 months with any fever of 38C or more. Recurrent infections - three or more in six months - deserve an ear-nose-throat opinion. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you judge whether tonight needs a doctor.