How serious is an earache for a 4 year old child?

At this point with him not having a fever steady you can give him Tylenol or Motrin according to directions on the package. Sit with him in the bathroom with the hot shower running which will create steam, this can help relieve the vacuum due to the eustachian tube being blocked. Warm compress to the ear as well. There are some ear drops that can be purchased OTC too. Check with the pharmacist. If this doesn't help within 24-36 hours then do have your child seen. An antibiotic may be needed. If he continues to run a fever again for the next 24-36 hours, then do call his doctor as well. If after you try the above and he still says it's hurting then you may want to have it looked at as well, since at that point you have done about all you you can for home treatment.

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last night, i gave him earache drops for the first time and childrens motrin. this morning i used a ear wax cleaner(drops) and he said his ear didnt hurt anymore but his fever/headache is still occuring slightly...but he only complained of pain once 3 weeks ago and the second time 2 days ago. it seems to go away or has gone away. a nurse looked into his ear and recommended a humidifier and otc ear drops, i just wanted to be sure of how serious it is at this point. his appetite has decreased just a little in the last 2 days but he is doing everything else he enjoys.

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