Genesis Pediatrics

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For Parents

Ear AcheParenting Help: Genesis Advice Packet (GAP)

Earache

Symptoms:

  • Pain or discomfort around the ear.
  • Child reporting ear pain.
  • Child acting like previously with ear infection (crying, fussy).

Treatment:

  • Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if older than 6 months)
  • Raise the head of the bed 30 - 45°.
  • Apply warm compress to ear - if older than 1 year.
  • Try a few drops of warm Oragel to affected ear. DO NOT USE IF EAR IS DRAINING.
  • If earache persists to the morning and child has a fever, call for an appointment.

Remember: Earaches do not always indicate an infection.

Fever

Symptoms:

  • Elevation of the normal body temperature.
  • Fever is a friend - it helps the body fight infection.
  • Fever is not dangerous and will never go high enough to cause harm (even when over 104° F).
  • Fever is often higher in the evening and lower in the morning.
  • Fever should only last 2-3 days.

Treatment:

  • If temperature is below 101° F - no treatment necessary.
  • Increase daily fluid intake.
  • Keep child lightly dressed with clothes that will breathe.
  • Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for comfort.
  • For temperatures above 103° F - bathe child in lukewarm bath 20-30 minutes (water temperature should be around 98° F).
  • Call immediately if child is under 2 months of age and has a temperature above 100.5° F, child is difficult to arouse or does not interact with you, child is complaining of stiff neck or not able to move neck.
  • Call during regular office hours if the fever last longer than 3 days.

Congestion

Symptoms:

  • Runny or stuffy nose (drainage may be clear, cloudy, yellow or green).
  • Associated symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, red eyes.
  • The average child will have as many as 8 colds per year. Children in day care setting may get a cold every 2-3 weeks during the winter season.
  • Antibiotics and cold medication will not cure a cold.

Treatment:

There is no cure for a cold but offer comfort support including:

  • Give acetaminophen for fever or discomfort.
  • Increase daily fluid intake.
  • Use a cool mist humidifier to moisturize secretions (remember to change water daily).
  • Raise the head of the bed 30- 45° (Infant may sleep in car seat).
  • Nasal saline drops or spray and nasal suctioning as needed.

Cough is one of the body's own way of getting rid of mucus, so unless it is painful or keeping the child awake, do not give cough suppressants.