Myringotomy and Tube Placement, Care for Child
What to do
1. Your child can take part in normal activity as he feels able. If your child is in daycare, he can return to it the day after the procedure.
2. Diet. Your child may feel sick to his stomach from the anesthesia. Start your child on clear liquids and advance to solid food as his stomach can handle it. If your child has nausea or vomiting, start over with clear liquids and advance slowly.
3. It is common for children to have slight drainage from the ear 1 to 3 days after surgery. The drainage may be bloody, clear, or pus-like.
4. Ear drops may be ordered to be given 3 times a day for 3 days.
5. Give Children's Tylenol® (acetaminophen) for pain relief or fever. Follow the directions on the package.
6. Your child's doctor will let you know if your child's ear needs to be kept dry.
7. Avoid soapy water in the ears as long as ear tubes are in place. Use ear putty when washing hair. Also use ear putty if diving more than 2 feet below the water.
Follow-up
Your child will be scheduled for a follow-up visit at the ENT Clinic.
When to call your child's doctor or clinic nurse
Call one of the phone numbers below if your child has:
- Constant nausea or vomiting.
- Fever over 101o F when taken by mouth, (100o F degrees under the arm).
- Ear discomfort (lasting more than 3 days).
- Ear drainage (lasting more than 3 days).
- If you think that your child is not recovering as well as he should.
Phone Numbers
Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinic at: (608) 265-7760, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm.
After clinic hours and weekends: Call (608) 262-0486: This will give you the paging operator. Ask for the ENT doctor on call. Be sure to leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If outside of Madison, call toll free at 1-800-323-8942.
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #5420
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/10/2011
Copyright © 08/10/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4255
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