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

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When to See a Doctor

Is your child taking an antibiotic for an ear infection without an improvement in symptoms, or have new symptoms developed?

See significance of symptoms that do not improve with antibiotic treatment 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 today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Note:

If you answered Yes to any of the following questions, call your doctor for a possible change in medicine or reevaluation. An appointment may not be necessary.

Yes

Are your child's symptoms worse after 48 hours of antibiotic treatment?

Yes

Have your child's symptoms not improved after 72 hours of treatment?

Yes

Does your child have new drainage from his or her ear?

Yes

Has your child developed a rash while taking antibiotics for an ear infection?

Yes

Does your child have severe diarrhea?

Yes

Have your child's symptoms returned within 10 days of completing treatment with antibiotics?

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