Health Tip: Ear Infection May Not Need Antibiotic

(HealthDay News) - If your child has an ear infection, it'simportant to take the child to a doctor for proper diagnosis andtreatment. The pediatrician will determine if the infection is bacterialor viral.
Here are suggestions on how to treat your child's ear infection,courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
If the infection is bacterial, your doctor probably will prescribe anantibiotic.If the infection is viral, an antibiotic won't treat it, soprescribing one may be counterproductive.You can give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen oribuprofen. Don't give your child aspirin, unless the doctor says so.Apply a warm heating pad to the ear to relieve pain.The doctor may prescribe ear drops.