Earaches are often caused by ear infections in children, but not always. DrGreene.com, a website produced by pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, points out that when bacteria infect the ear, antibiotics are no longer the first line of treatment. Instead, doctors recommend home treatment and observation for a set period of days before prescribing medication. Exceptions to this guideline include a high fever, a red ear, an ear that is oozing or bleeding and a confirmed ear infection in a very young infant. Whether the ear is infected or just painful, the treatment at home is focused on pain relief.
Step 1
Cover the ear with a cold wet washcloth or a cold pack from the freezer wrapped in a thin towel. MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, suggests leaving the cold compress over the ear for 20 minutes to help relieve pain. FamilyDoctor.org suggests using a warm wet wash cloth or a heated blanket in the same manner.
Step 2
Give a child a piece of gum to chew if she is old enough. Chewing can open the jaw enough to force any air out that may have built up, such as during a decrease or increase in environmental pressure on an airplane or drive up a mountain.
Step 3
Apply pain relieving drops to the affected ear. These should never be used in an ear that is oozing any liquid as this is a sign of a ruptured eardrum that should be treated by a medical professional. Before using olive oil, warm the container in a glass of hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. Test the temperature of the oil on the inner wrist. If it is neither cool nor hot to the touch, it is safe for use in the ear. Use a dropper to place two to three drops in the affected ears. This is most effective when the child is resting on her side. Wait five minutes before having her switch sides. Speak with a medical professional about over-the-counter pain relief ear drops if desired.
Step 4
Give the child an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Confirm the dose amount for the child's age and weight with a health care professional if needed.
Things You'll Need
- Cold pack
- Wash cloth
- Heated blanket
- Chewing gum
- Olive oil
- Dropper
- Glass of hot water
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
