How long does cold and ear pain take to subside in a 3-year-old child taking medications?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 3-year-old son has been suffering from a cold for five days. On the first day, I took him to the doctor. He suggested Zyrtec, which I gave for five days, and after five days, he started to develop ear pain and fever on the sixth day. I took him to the doctor again. He gave antibiotics for the cold. He told me to give it for five days. And for the cold, he has given Zyrcold. I am giving antibiotics, ear pain drops, and cold medicine along with that Paracetamol 250 mg for fever every four hours as he is developing a fever every four hours. Two days back, he did not take any food and we gave him electrolytes. Yesterday, he started to take only a small amount. How many days will it take to reduce cold and ear pain?

He is passing urine. When ear pain is reduced somewhat, he is active and when the ear pain starts again, he is struggling.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per the information provided, your son has had a cold for seven days. He also has had a fever and ear pain for two days. He is already on antibiotics for two days. When ear pain is less, he is active and takes some food. He is passing urine well. All these symptoms favor the possibility of viral infection and may be a super-added ear infection. Seven days of the problem need to be evaluated with some basic investigations.

After the antibiotic, it may take up to 72 hours for the infection to come under control, but still, you need to continue for complete seven days.

As you have not mentioned whether he has any discharge from the ear, I suggest you continue the same medication at present. No need to change the antibiotic.

1. Give plenty of fluids like water, juice, milk, soups, and regular food, whatever he likes.

2. Give Paracetamol as and when required if there is a fever (you can repeat it every four hours if needed).

Get these basic tests done if he is not better after 72 hours of antibiotics.

1. CBC (complete blood count).

2. CRP (C-reactive protein).

3. PCT (Procalcitonin).

4. Urine routine analysis.

Connect with me if the problem persists, along with the test results.

Take care.

I am happy if I have helped you.