Please provide some do's and don'ts on dealing with middle ear infection.

Ignore: Middle ear infections do not need antibiotics. Do practice good hand washing

Ignore: To prevent middle ear infection in infants, do not prop bottles during feeding.

Ignore: Don't stick q-tips in the ear, it can cause damage to the ear drum.

Ignore: Uncommon in adults! acetaminophen for pain. Infection needs abx if rupture, pain immediately better.

Ignore: See your doctor if you have ear pain.Do not put things into your ear to relieve the pain without md.

Ignore: CHECK with MD if RX is needed.Recheck after RX is given for a complete cure.

Ignore: Make sure it is an infection....an eardrum that is "injected" or "red" doesn't mean its infected.

Ignore: Antibiotics will treat the infection but not the pain - take analgesics as needed.

Ignore: Pain is worse, when laying flat. Try an extra pillow or a 'recliner' night.

Ignore: Treat the pain with ibuprofen and acetaminophen—but avoid antibiotics if your child is over 1 year.

Ignore: Complete ALL of the Rx and get rechecked in 2 weeks. Fluid can remain and cause recurrent infection.

Ignore: Most middle ear infections occur as a complication following a viral upper respiratory infection.

Ignore: Do use Afrin nasal spray as directed fir up to 5 days. This will decongest your nose and ET.

Ignore: Have it checked if painful, fever, dizzy, drainage or hearing loss. May need antibiotics.

Ignore: DO give a decongestant together with ibuprofen for ear pain until you can consult your doctor!

Ignore: Do use ibuprofen 10 mg/kilo/dose as needed for pain every 8 hours as necessary.

Do: Do see your doctor, do finish your antibiotics, don't stop meds if you feel better, do F/U appt.