Any doctors out there?

[Wonderbread]

For some quick advice. Don’t worry it’s generic advice as I know personal advice isn’t appropriate online!

I took my 4 year old son to doctors Thursday with lots of ear pain and v high temp in mid-39’s and he was diagnosed with an ear infection.

They told me they try not to treat ear infections with antibiotics as they usually get better on their own but he gave me a prescription to fulfil in case it didn’t improve. Only now I can’t remember when he said to start giving them if it didn’t improve - it could have been today or tomorrow so I was wondering if anyone could tell me the general advice in this instance.

To recap he has had an ear infection since Thursday.
Temp is not as high as it was but still 38.4
Still complaining of ear pain, particularly at night

Thanks!

My GP told us to play it by ear (excuse the pun)!

If he's getting better I'd continue to treat with paracetamol and ibuprofen, warm towel against his ear, lots of cuddles.

If he's not improving after a couple of days, I'd start the antibiotics.

You know your child best.

I gave antibiotics a couple of times to DS for ear infections when he's been particularly poorly. Other times he's managed to get on with his day so I haven't.

I hope he feels better soon. Ear infections are horrid.

Not a doctor, I'm a nurse though. If it's been more than 48-72 hours and he still has pain and temperature that's not controlled by paracetamol and ibuprofen I would start the antibiotics.

@HippyChickMama so it has been more than 3 days - or will be today - but the temp is controllable with ibuprofen. As soon as it wears off it goes back up though.

Generally anything over 48 hours that isn't viral I would consider antibiotics for providing that it's not a regular thing. You sound very sensible, some parents want to give antibiotics at the drop of a hat, even for viruses! If you feel it's not improving get the antibiotics.

I use a garlic clove cut and wrapped in tissue for ear infections. The fumes kill the bugs.

But as he is only a little one and his ear canalssmall then maybe do the antibiotics

Well I didn’t today as the temp was much lower and he said it hurt less so I assume on the mend. Temp was just under 38. If it’s still there in the morning I will start them.