Middle ear infections occur when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, and becomes infected during a cold or allergy. Symptoms of a middle ear infection can include pain, irritability, and fever; the eardrums will also be red, swollen, immobile, and can sometimes be filled with pus.
A trained medical professional can easily identify an ear infection by inspecting the inside of a child’s ear, and using a rubber insufflator bulb, or a tympanogram to test for eardrum mobility. Middle ear infections are miserable for youngsters, so the quicker one can find ways to soothe the pain, the better. Here are some easy ways to relieve ear infection pain in kids.
Over-the-Counter Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen
Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen such as Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil can soothe ear discomfort in children. Read the dosing instructions carefully before giving medications to kids, as overmedicating can cause serious harm. Consult a pediatrician before administering medications to kids, especially if they are currently taking medicines for other conditions. Also, never give a young child aspirin for ear infection pain, as this can lead to a dangerous condition known as Reye’s syndrome.
Anesthetic Ear Drops
Anesthetic ear drops can be obtained via prescription and used to relieve ear infection pain in kids. Blood or puss coming out of the ear can signal a ruptured eardrum. So unless a pediatrician says otherwise, don’t put anesthetic ear drops in the child’s ear if it is seeping liquid.
Warm Compress
Warmth is soothing to a child who is suffering from the pain of an ear infection. One can either hold a hot-water-bottle or a heating pad over the child’s infected ear. Use a low to medium setting on a heating pad; higher temperature settings can cause the pad to get too hot, and cause burns to a child. Also, never leave a youngster unattended while she’s using a hot water bottle or heating pad.
Warm Olive Oil
Warm olive oil can soothe ear discomfort in children. Heat the olive oil in the microwave for a few seconds, and let it cool until it’s slightly warmer than room temperature. Use a medicine dropper to put the warm olive oil in the child’s ear.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum can relieve ear infection pain in kids by alleviating some of the pressure caused by fluid buildup behind the eardrums. Chewing gum poses a choking hazard for youngsters, so make certain children are old enough to chew gum safely before giving it to them.
Ear infection pain can be difficult for a young child to handle. But with the help of over-the-counter medicines, prescription ear drops, heat, and chewing gum, the pain of ear infections can be managed successfully.
References:
Pediatric Planet. Accessed 7-16-09
Family Doctor. Accessed 7-16-09
Kids Health/ Nemours Foundation. Accessed 7-16-09
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Suite 101 does not recommend or give medical advice. Always consult a pediatrician before administering medications to kids, or trying other home remedies, especially if children are currently taking medicines for other conditions.
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