Earache is one of the most common ailments that can affect your child. In fact, one type of earache known as otitis media with effusion affects about 90 percent of children even before they reach school age, according to statistics compiled by the American Academy of Pediatrics. When earaches occur in children, a different approach in treatment medicines must be pursued due to their sensitive and still developing bodies. You should talk to your doctor or pediatrician before giving your child any medication for an earache.
Acetaminophen
One possible medication that can be used for a child's earache is acetaminophen. When using acetaminophen, be sure to only use children's-strength products such as Infant's or Children's Tylenol. Directions on dosing should also be followed carefully in regard to both dosage amount and time between doses.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen can also be used to help relieve pain and discomfort related to your child's earache. Children's ibuprofen products include Children's Motrin or Children's Advil. As with acetaminophen, all directions for the medication should be followed correctly.
Ear Drops
In cases of severe ear infections, your doctor may prescribe medicated ear drops, such as Auralgan. Auralgan is made up of two main ingredients, benzocaine and antipyrine. Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic used to reduce pain. Antipyrine is an analgesic, which reduces inflammation in the ear and also helps reduce pain.
Antibiotics
Your pediatrician may diagnose the cause of your child's earache as being related to bacteria. If this is the case, the doctor will most likely fill out a prescription for antibiotics. It is important to finish the entire schedule of antibiotics to help prevent bacterial resistance to the medication, even if your child seems to be feeling better. Because of problems with bacterial resistance, the American Academy of Pediatrics has began emphasizing other treatment methods, such as pain relief, instead of antibiotics.
Aspirin Warning
Aspirin has also been used to help reduce the pain of a child's earache. However, due to possible links to the development of Reye's syndrome, which can cause organ damage and even death, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends never giving aspirin to a child under the age of 18.
