Ear pain is a common complaint among children. Also called earache, it’s one of the most common reasons for healthcare provider visits. While ear pain is rarely dangerous, it’s normal to worry when your child isn’t feeling well.
Let’s explore some common causes of ear pain in children and practical ways to soothe their symptoms to give you and your little one some much-needed relief.
Common Causes of Pediatric Ear Pain
A few common causes of pediatric ear pain include:
- Ear infections (very common in children aged six months to eight years)
- Swimmer’s ear
- Earwax buildup
- Pressure changes (common on airplanes)
- Colds or allergies
- Toothaches (including teething in infants)
- Sinus infections
- Tonsilitis
How Can I Soothe My Child?
The first step in soothing your child’s ear pain is to make an appointment with their ENT provider. An ENT provider will perform a physical exam and discuss symptoms to find and treat the underlying cause. Common treatments include:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Earwax removal
- Ear cleaning for fluid retention
- Allergy management techniques or medication
- Tonsil removal
Sometimes, your child’s ear pain may resolve on its own, especially in cases of mild ear infections or teething. In these cases, you can help keep them comfortable with a few simple strategies:
- Offer popsicles or lollipops. If a pressure imbalance is causing your child’s ear pain, encouraging them to swallow more often can help balance the pressure and relieve pain. If they’re old enough, offer lollipops or popsicles to promote frequent swallowing.
- Warm compresses. Place a warm compress on the affected ear to reduce inflammation.
- Distract them. Engaging your child in a comforting activity can help distract them from ear pain. Try reading them a book, watching a fun movie or bringing home their favorite Sweet Cream Company ice cream.
- Draw a hot bath. Stem can help ease congestion in cases of a sinus infection. Draw a hot bath and place a towel under the bathroom door to make an at-home steam room. Make sure the water isn’t too hot and put plenty of toys in the tub to help cheer up your child.
By combining home remedies with ENT care, you can help ease your child’s ear pain—offering some much-needed relief to you both. If your child’s ear pain symptoms persist longer than a few days, contact Palmetto ENT & Allergy to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.