In a child with ear problems, what should you observe for during your physical examination?

In a child with ear problems, observing for pus draining from the ear is critical as it is a key indicator of an ear infection, such as acute otitis media or otitis externa. The presence of pus suggests that there is an ongoing infection, which may require medical intervention and, possibly, antibiotics. Such discharges can provide important diagnostic clues and inform the urgency and type of treatment needed.

While other signs such as swollen gums, an inflamed throat, or headache may indicate other health issues or co-morbid conditions, they are not specifically related to ear problems. Swollen gums may suggest dental issues, an inflamed throat could be a sign of respiratory infection or pharyngitis, and a headache might arise from various causes, such as tension or dehydration. However, in the context of evaluating ear symptoms, the presence of pus specifically points to an infection requiring attention, making it the most relevant observation during the physical examination.