Physical exam for ear infections
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Physical exam for ear infections
When doctors examine children for ear infections (acute otitis media), they may:
- Check the child's temperature. Children with ear infections often have a fever. Children with fluid behind the eardrum usually do not have a fever.
- Look into the child's ear using a pneumatic otoscope.
- Test the child's hearing (audiometry exam) if repeat ear infections are a problem or if the parents are concerned about the child's speech or hearing.
- Examine the child's eyes, nose, throat, and neck for signs of infection.
- Listen to the child's lungs for signs of an infection.
Credits
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Last Updated | February 28, 2007 |
| Last updated: | February 28, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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