Diagnosed With Ear Infection. Using Numbing Ear Drops And Tylenol. Having Temperature Around 99. Is This Normal?

Posted on Wed, 20 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 Answered on

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My 5 year old was diagnosed with an ear infection this afternoon after complaining of severe ear pain. He began vomiting before we could start antibiotics and has been waking in pain every 2-3 hours and vomits again. Giving him numbing ear drops and tylenol when I can. No fever until the last few hours, now it is around 99. Is this typical for ear infection? An emergency? Anything else I can do to help?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes, the symptoms are suggestive of infection... Detailed Answer: Hi, Fever and severe ear ache is consistent with ear infection. Vomiting may be an associated factor. I would suggest you to start antibiotic (preferably penicillin or cephalosporin group drugs) as advised. If he persists to vomit, I would start domperidone in a dose of 10mg/kg/dose twice a day for a few days and add a low spicy vegetable rich diet. In addition keep the ear clean. Avoid any other solution other than the prescribed ear drop. Avoid probing his ear. Common bacterial ear infection respond to appropriate antibiotics over a period of 2-3 days. He would continue to development intermittent fever as long as infection persist; so do not be concerned. I would however be concerned if he starts to develop severe headache, becomes drowsy and has uncontrollable vomiting (despite medications). Therefore keep a close watch on his progress. Emergency service is recommended as per needs. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarification. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (5 hours later)

We were given azithromycin as he is allergic to penicillins and just finished a 10 day course of cefdnir about a week ago for bronchitis. I gave itto him, and he vomited again about an hour later. He is now still complaining of pain in both ears but taking small sips of water and keeping it down. Will the antibiotic still work even though he vomited it up??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (16 hours later)

Brief Answer: Adding domperidone can be beneficial.. Detailed Answer: Apologies for the late reply... Azithromycin has similar potentials as penicillin. However if he vomits immediately then a repeat dose is necessary. In order to avoid this confusion I add anti emetics to prevent vomiting. Domperidone is one such useful drug. If antibiotic is taken appropriately the effects should be seen in 3-5 days. So if his ear symptoms don't get better within the next couple of days, consider reporting back to the doctor. Hope this helps. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar