EARS, PULLING AT OR ITCHY

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR EARS, PULLING AT OR ITCHY

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick.
• Fever above 104°F (40°C).
• Age less than 12 weeks with fever greater than 100.4 F (38.0 C) rectally

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• You think your child needs to be seen.
• Seems to be in pain or crying without an obvious reason.
• Starts awakening from sleep.
• Fever or symptoms of a cold are present.
• Drainage from the ear canal.
• Constant digging inside 1 ear canal.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

• Normal ear touching or pulling.
• Itchy ear canal.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

See Other Topics:

• Crying Child Older Than 3 Months Old (Irritability, Fussiness)

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