Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Does your child have ear pain with a fever?
See significance of fever if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.
Note:
- If you need information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.
- If your child has a fever with signs of a serious illness, go to the topic Fever, Age 3 and Younger.
Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does your baby younger than 3 months old have a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher?
Yes Do you think your baby younger than 3 months old has a fever, but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?
Yes Does your child older than age 3 months have a temperature of 105°F (40.6°C) or higher?
Yes Do you think your child older than age 3 months has a high fever, but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?
Yes Does your child have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with his or her immune system?
Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does your child older than age 3 months have a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher?
Yes Do you think your child older than age 3 months has a moderate fever but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?
You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does your child older than age 3 months have a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that has not come down after 24 hours of home treatment and medicine?
Yes Do you think your child has a fever that has not come down after 24 hours of home treatment and medicine but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 13, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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