Help! My child has an earache!

Ear pain in children is common, and the cause can range from a simple cold to an ear infection. As a parent, it is important to understand the cause of the pain and take appropriate steps to relieve it. In this blog, we discuss the most common causes of ear pain in children, focusing on middle ear infection as the main cause, and offer tips for checking and cleaning your child’s ears.

What causes earaches in children?

The most common cause of ear pain in children is a middle ear infection (otitis media). This condition is often caused by a cold or flu, where bacteria or viruses spread through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. This causes inflammation, leading to pain and discomfort. Children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years are most at risk for middle ear infection because of their smaller Eustachian tube, which becomes more easily blocked.

Other possible causes of earache include:

• Swimmer’s Ear: This occurs when water remains in the ear canal, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. It often causes itching and pain in the ears.
• Cold or flu: These can put pressure on the ear, causing the sensation of earache.
• Physical trauma: Children sometimes put objects in their ears, which can cause pain or damage to the ear.
• Pressure changes: Airplane travel or scuba diving can cause temporary ear pain due to pressure changes.

Symptoms of earache in children

In young children, it can be difficult to determine exactly where the pain is coming from. However, there are several symptoms by which you can tell if your child has an earache:

• Complaint of ear pain: This is the most obvious symptom. Your child may indicate that the ear hurts or hold the ear.
• Pulling or touching the ear: Young children especially may pull at their ear when in pain.
• Irritable behavior or crying: Children with ear pain may cry more often or find it more difficult to comfort themselves.
• Difficulty eating or drinking: Because swallowing increases pressure in the ears, children with ear pain may refuse to eat or drink.
• Fever: An ear infection is often accompanied by a fever.

How can I treat an earache in my child?

Treatment for ear pain depends on the cause. If the cause is a middle ear infection, the doctor may be able to prescribe antibiotics, especially if the infection is severe. In less severe cases, the pain can often be relieved with simple measures.

Home treatment for earache

• Apply heat: A warm compress can help relieve pain. Make sure the heat is not too intense to avoid burning.
• Painkillers: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Make sure the dosage is appropriate for your child’s age.
• Keeping head up: Holding your child’s head up slightly can reduce pressure on the ear.
• Ear drops: With swimmer’s ear, special ear drops can help reduce pain and clean the ear canal. Be careful not to use ear drops if perforation of the eardrum is suspected.

If the pain persists or worsens

If the pain does not subside or gets worse, or if there is discharge from the ear, it is important to consult the doctor. This also applies if your child has a fever that does not subside. An infection may require medication, and sometimes further tests or a specialist are needed to check for other causes.

When should I see the doctor?

It is important to consult the doctor in the following cases:

• If the pain persists for more than a few days.
• If your child has a fever that does not subside or if there is discharge from the ear (especially if it is yellow, green or bloody).
• If you suspect something in your child’s ear, such as an object, is causing the pain.
• If your child remains uncomfortable, even with pain relief.

The doctor will then be able to determine if there is an infection or other problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The importance of checking and cleaning your child’s ears

Sometimes earache can be caused by accumulation of earwax or a foreign object in the ear. It is important to check and clean your child’s ears regularly, but this should be done carefully to avoid damaging the ear.

Using a Bebird ear camera (otoscope)

A convenient way to check if something is inside the ear is to use a Bebird ear camera. This device, also called an otoscope, provides a visual representation of the inside of the ear via your smartphone. It allows you to carefully inspect your child’s ear for dirt or objects without the risk of damage from using cotton swabs.

With a Bebird ear camera, you can safely inspect your child’s ear and instantly see if there is a blockage, earwax or other issues that can cause ear pain. It’s a handy tool to provide reassurance before consulting a doctor. If you notice anything strange in the ear or suspect earwax is causing the pain, you can gently remove it.

Prevention of earache

There are several steps you can take to prevent earaches in your child:

• Using earplugs while swimming: If your child often suffers from swimmer’s ear, earplugs can help prevent water from entering the ear.
• Maintain good hygiene: It is important to keep your child’s ears clean, but do so carefully. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can push wax further into the ear.
• Avoid pressure differences: When traveling by air or diving, pressure differences in the ears can cause earaches. When taking off and landing, have your child swallow or eat a candy to regulate pressure. There are also special earplugs for flying.
• Treat colds quickly: Because middle ear infections often result from a cold, it is important to act quickly when cold symptoms occur to reduce the risk of infection.

Conclusion

Ear pain in children is often the result of middle ear infection, but it can also be caused by other factors, such as swimmer’s ear or physical trauma. By paying close attention to the symptoms, you can often relieve pain at home. If the pain persists or worsens, it is important to consult a doctor. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your child’s ears with a Bebird ear camera can help prevent ear pain and detect problems quickly.