Guide To Ear Infection Diagnosis And Treatment

Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medication

Since ear infections may cause significant pain for some patients, doctors typically advise patients to take anti-inflammatory pain medication. Generally, over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen are appropriate, and some patients may wish to take acetaminophen. Acetylsalicylic acid should only be taken by patients older than nineteen years old, as it can cause Reye's syndrome in younger individuals. In addition, ibuprofen is not recommended for use in children less than six months old.

When using an over-the-counter pain reliever, patients should always use the dosage recommended on the label. Doses for infants and children are based on weight. For example, a child who weighs forty-eight to fifty-nine pounds could take either one adult two hundred milligram ibuprofen tablet or four chewable fifty milligram tablets. Children who weigh ninety-six pounds and above can safely take two adult two hundred milligram ibuprofen tablets.

Ibuprofen may cause elevated blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and diarrhea or constipation, and patients taking naproxen could develop stomach pain, a sensation of tightness in the chest, easy bruising, and breathing difficulties. Any new or worsening side effects should be reported to the patient's doctor as soon as possible.

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