FAQS for Earache
1. What are the common causes of earaches in children?
Kids might complain of ear pain or pull on an ear due to:
- An ear infection (also called a middle ear infection)
- Fluid in the ear
- Swimmer’s ear
- Ear wax that is stuck
- Foreign body
- an injury to the ear canal
- a tooth problem, like a cavity or teething
- a sore throat
2. How can I alleviate my child's ear pain?
If you suspect your child has an ear infection, your pediatrician can diagnose it and determine the right treatment.
- Fever and pain medicine: based it on age
- Place a cold pack or warm compress over your child’s ear
- Keep child hydrated
- Elevate your child’s head
3. When is it necessary to seek medical attention for an earache?
Call the doctor if
- you tried home care measures and your child doesn’t seem to be improving,
- the pain is severe, or
- the pain began after an injury.
- your child has trouble taking liquids or is vomiting
- blood or pus is draining from the ear
- there is swelling and redness or a deeper skin tone around the ear or behind it
- the sore ear sticks out more from the side of the head than the other ear
- your child also has a fever, neck pain, or a headache.