Infections of the middle ear, or otitis media, are the most frequently diagnosed children's health issue after the common cold, according to the KidsHealth website. Infections arise when fluid, naturally produced in the middle ear, builds up due to a blockage in the Eustachian tube, preventing necessary drainage. The condition can be acute, meaning sudden and painful, or chronic, meaning recurring.
Step 1
Administer an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Step 2
Place a warm compress or hot water bottle over the affected ear to help soothe pain and transfer heat to the blocked Eustachian tube.
Step 3
Administer over-the-counter pain-relieving ear drops if discomfort persists.
Step 4
Consult with your doctor about nonsurgical remedies. The first course of action will likely be antibiotics, but there are prescription devices that help to push air through the nose and into the middle ear that have demonstrated success in relieving the pressure and draining the fluid.
Step 5
Insert tubes surgically into the ear drum for chronic problems that are unresponsive to traditional therapies. Tympanostomy tubes are inserted under general anesthesia, so there is an associated risk with any such surgery, but the procedure is very common. The tubes fall out on their own over time, but sometimes they must be removed in a second procedure.
Tips and Warnings
- Babies who drink from a sippy cup while lying on their backs are prone to fluid buildup in the middle ear. Water in the ears, from bathing or swimming, does not cause fluid in the ear unless there is a breech in the eardrum from an earlier surgery.
- Do not give regular aspirin to children, according to MedlinePlus, as this can cause a life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome. Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician if the fluid doesn't drain on its own after a couple days. Treat minor occurrences at home, unless the infection is accompanied by a fever over 102 degrees F for toddlers or any fever at all for infants.
Things You'll Need
- Warm water bottle
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Antibiotics
