Ear Problems And Injuries, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have drainage from the ear that you do not think is earwax?

See significance of drainage from the ear if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your baby younger than age 3 months have any drainage from the ear?

Yes

Does your child age 3 months or older have unexplained bleeding from the ear?

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Does your child age 3 months or older have drainage from the ear that looks like pus or fluid that is white, yellow, or bloody?

You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Has your child had minimal bleeding for 24 hours or longer from a scratch or from cleaning the ear?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	February 13, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer