EAR INFECTIONS — PAIN AND TREATMENT

Sometimes an ear infection isn’t to blame for your child’s ear pain. There are other reasons, such as the following, that cause your child’s ears to hurt.

· An infection of the skin of the ear canal, often called “swimmer’s ear”

· Blocked or plugged eustachian tubes from colds or allergies

· A sore throat

· Teething or sore gums

Because pain is often the first and most uncomfortable symptom of ear infection, it’s important to help comfort your child by giving her pain medicine. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are over-the-counter pain medicines that may help decrease much of the pain. Be sure to use the right dosage for your child’s age and size. Don’t give aspirin to your child. It has been associated with Reye syndrome, a disease that affects the liver and brain. There are also ear drops that may relieve ear pain for a short time. Ask your pediatrician whether these drops should be used. There is no need to use over-the-counter cold medicines (decongestants and antihistamines), because they don’t help clear up ear infections.

Not all ear infections require antibiotics. Some children who don’t have a high fever and aren’t severely ill may be observed without antibiotics. In most cases, pain and fever will improve in the first one to two days.

If your child is younger than 2 years, has drainage from the ear, has a fever higher than 102.5°F, seems to be in a lot of pain, is unable to sleep, isn’t eating, or is acting ill, it’s important to call your pediatrician. If your child is older than 2 years and your child’s symptoms are mild, you may wait a couple of days to see if she improves.

Your child’s ear pain and fever should go away within two to three days of their onset. If your child’s condition doesn’t improve within 2 days, call your pediatrician. Your pediatrician may wish to see your child and may prescribe an antibiotic, if one wasn’t given initially. If an antibiotic was already started, your child may need a different antibiotic. Be sure to follow your pediatrician’s instructions closely.

If an antibiotic was prescribed, make sure your child finishes the entire prescription. If you stop the medicine too soon, some of the bacteria that caused the ear infection may still be present and cause an infection to start all over again.

As the infection starts to clear up, your child might feel a “popping” in the ears. This is a normal sign of healing. Children with ear infections don’t need to stay home if they are feeling well, as long as a child care provider or someone at school can give them their medicine properly, if needed. If your child needs to travel in an airplane, or wants to swim, contact your pediatrician for specific instructions.