Earaches in toddlers are often caused by otitis media, which is commonly called a middle ear infection. Middle ear infections occur when a narrow tube that connects the middle ear to back of the throat becomes blocked and accumulates fluid, which causes bacteria to grow. Ear infections can also be viral.
Identification
Some common symptoms of an ear infection are pulling on the ear, increased fussiness, crying at night, pain in the ear while laying down, difficulties sleeping, difficulties hearing and a fever. Your child's doctor will check for redness, inflammation and fluid behind the eardrum. According to "What to Expect the Toddler Years", ear infections can occur anytime during the year, but the most common seasons are winter and early spring. According to Mayo Clinic, most children stop getting ear infections by the time they are 5 years old. Children get more ear infections because their ear passage is narrower, shorter and more horizontal than adults, making it easier for germs to enter the middle ear, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics.
Risks
Smoking or allowing others to smoke around your child increases the risk of ear infections. Bad hygiene also increases the risk, so ensure your child is washing his hands regularly, especially while in daycare where children commonly pass germs.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinated children experience fewer ear infections. By ensuring your child is vaccinated, which includes the flu shot, you are reducing your toddler's chance of an ear infection. Breastfeeding during the first year also reduces your child's risk.
Relief
According to Mayo Clinic, an over-the-counter pain reliever such an acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to ease discomfort. Contact your doctor for the correct dosing instructions based on your child's weight. Never give aspirin to a child younger than 16 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, according to Mayo Clinic. Some additional ways to offer relief to your toddler is placing a heating pad on your child's ear and elevating your child's head while she is lying down. According to "What to Expect the Toddler Years", ears hurt worse while lying down because of changes in the ear pressure.
Treatment
If you suspect your child has an ear infection, make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible. Some doctors will have you do the common pain relief methods already mentioned for a few days without prescribing medication to see if the ears clear on their own. If not, the doctor will start your child on an antibiotic. Some doctors will begin antibiotics the same day as the appointment. As with any antibiotics, continue the prescription for the full duration even if the infection clears early. According to "What to Expect the Toddler Years", if a toddler has reoccurring ear infections, tubes may be inserted under anesthesia. This is a last resort treatment.
Considerations
If your toddler has had several ear infections, your doctor may recommend a hearing test, since it's possible for infections to cause hearing loss. Some other causes of ear aches in toddlers are swimmer's ear, which occurs when ear canals are exposed to a lot of moisture. According to Mayo Clinic, the main cause of swimmer's ear is a bacterial infection of the thin layer of skin lining the ear canal.
Your toddler could also have a foreign object in his ear. If you suspect a foreign object, contact your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Room of your local hospital. Teething can also be confused with an ear infection, since some children will pull at their ears, have low fevers and become fussy while teething. However, it's always best to get a doctor's opinion before assuming the cause is teething.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Your Child and Ear Infections
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Ear Infection Information
- "What to Expect the Toddler Years"; Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg & Sandee Hathaway; 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Swimmer's Ear
- Mayo Clinic: Ear Infection, middle ear
