Earache

Earaches are pretty common in children and don't always mean there's a serious problem. Your child might complain of ear pain, or you might notice them tugging on their ear, which could be due to an ear infection, fluid buildup, swimmer’s ear, earwax, or even something as simple as teething or a sore throat.

Sometimes, they’re linked to an ear infection, like otitis media, which is an infection in the middle ear. They might also happen because something got stuck in the ear or from an injury to the ear canal.

Even with antibiotics, it can take up to 3 days for your child to feel better. But don’t worry; there are a few things you can do right away when your child is dealing with ear pain.

First, you can give them a pain reliever like Acetaminophen (Tylenol); or, if they’re 6 months or older, Ibuprofen (Motrin). These can help ease their discomfort, but be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully - especially with younger children.

It also helps to have your child sit upright for about 30 minutes - this can sometimes reduce the pressure inside the ear, which is often what causes the pain. Encouraging them to drink something can also be beneficial, as swallowing may help equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

You can also try applying a lukewarm compress to the affected ear for about 20 minutes every couple of hours. Just remember, it’s best not to use ear drops unless the doctor has specifically recommended them.

If you notice your child is still in severe pain after 2 hours, even after giving pain medication, or if blood or pus drains from their ear, give us a call to schedule an appointment. You should also contact us if your child has trouble drinking liquids, is vomiting, or has noticeable swelling or redness in their ear. Any signs of a fever of 101°F or higher, neck pain, or a headache are also reasons to reach out.

While you can’t always prevent earaches, keeping your child up to date on vaccines like the flu shot and the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) can reduce the likelihood of middle ear infections.

It’s also a good idea to avoid using cotton swabs in their ears, and teach them to wash their hands regularly to prevent colds that could lead to ear infections. If your child swims a lot, you might want to ask us about using earplugs or special ear drops to help prevent earaches.

Remember, earaches can be tough on your little one, but with these steps, you can help make them more comfortable while they recover.