Younger child acts like he did with last ear infection or cries a lot
Symptoms of a cold are also often present when ear infections are the cause. These can include a runny nose, sore throat and cough. May also have a fever.
Call or Return If
Pain becomes severe
Pus drains out of the ear canal
Your child becomes worse
About This Topic
Causes
Usually due to an ear infection of the middle ear (space behind the eardrum)
Ear infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Usually, a doctor can tell the difference by looking at the eardrum.
Ear infections peak at age 6 months to 2 years
The onset of ear infections is often on day 3 of a cold
Problems in the ear canal can also cause ear pain. Examples are swimmer's ear or a big piece of earwax. A cotton swab or fingernail can cause a scrape in the canal.
Ear pain can also be referred pain from a tonsil infection or tooth decay.
After Care Advice
Overview:
Your child may have an ear infection. The only way to be sure is to look at the eardrum.
It is safe to wait until your doctor's office is open.
Ear pain can be helped with pain medicine and eardrops.
Here is some care advice that should help until you see your doctor.
Pain Medicine:
To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed.
Cold Pack:
Put a cold wet washcloth on the outer ear for 20 minutes. This should help the pain until the pain medicine starts to work.
Note: Some children prefer heat for 20 minutes.
Caution: Do not keep hot or cold packs on too long. This could cause a burn or frostbite.
Eardrops:
If pain medicine does not help the pain, try eardrops. You can use plain olive oil or mineral oil (baby oil).
Use 3 drops every 4 hours.
Prescription eardrops for pain are sometimes used. (Same dose).
Caution: Don't use eardrops if your child has ear tubes. Also, don't use if your child has a hole in the eardrum.
Fever:
For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Note: Lower fevers are important for fighting infections.
For ALL fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
Return to School:
Can return to school or child care when the fever is gone.
