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EAR PAIN:

Ear pain is a very common complaint in children and may or may not indicate a true ear infection. If pain is mild and your child does not have signs of fever, ear swelling or extreme sensitivity to touch you may start with pain medication (IBUPROFEN or ACETAMINOPHEN) and see if pain resolves. In cases of ear pain associated with FEVER, PAIN associated with touch of the ear or PAIN FOR >48 HOURS without fever an evaluation in the office will be needed.  Ear infections can involve the MIDDLE EAR (usually as a secondary infection from nasal congestion) or the OUTER EAR (in cases of “swimmer’s ear”).  An appointment with the pediatrician is necessary to determine if your child has an ear infection.

PINK EYE:

Pink Eye or CONJUNCTIVITIS is another common illness in children. Conjunctivitis can be caused by INFECTION (bacterial or viral), ALLERGIES or IRRITATION (ie: contact lens wearers). In pink eye of infectious etiology the conjunctivae of the eye look more irritated (increased redness or pink quality) and you will usually have discharge from the eye with CRUSTING ALONG THE EYELIDS. If you notice your child’s eyes are PINK WITH DISCHARGE you should CONTACT YOUR PEDIATRICIAN. Pink eye can be treated with eye ointment, eye drops or in some cases with time and support for resolution. Due to the CONTAGIOUS NATURE of pink eye, careful HAND WASHING and avoidance of contacts for 24 hours of treatment will usually be required before return to activities. Any signs of pink eye associated with fever should be evaluated by the pediatrician in the office.

The information presented in this section is not intended to take the place of your personal physician’s advice or diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information is intended for your general knowledge only