Home Remedies for Ear Pain in Kids

Ear pain, although common, can disturb your child’s active lifestyle by causing considerable discomfort. While most of the time, ear pain does not indicate something serious, it is important to treat it the right way so your child can get back to feeling normal and carry on with their day-to-day activities without a problem.

In this blog post, we will be covering the causes of ear pain, some easy home remedies for ear pain in kids, and tell you when you should take your child to the doctor.

Causes of Ear Pain

Ear pain can occur due to a variety of reasons. Common causes of ear pain in children include:

• Teething
• Sore throat
• Blocked eustachian tubes
• Ear infection or acute otitis media
• Swimmer’s ear
• Temporomandibular joint disorders
• Wax buildup inside the ear
• Trauma outside or inside the ear
• Foreign object inside the ear

Of all the causes mentioned above, children are more likely to develop ear pain because of an ear infection. It happens when microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria start growing in the fluid that collects in the middle ear, leading to pain and infection.

Home Remedies for Ear Pain in Kids 

Use a cold or warm compress

Wrap some ice on a clean towel to make a cold compress. Alternatively, you can dip a clean washcloth in warm water to prepare a warm compress. Apply the compress, either warm or cold, to your child’s ear for a few minutes to relieve pain and discomfort.

Keep their head elevated while sleeping

Your child’s ear pain may worsen when lying down. To help with this, use a few pillows to prop your child’s head while lying down. Doing so drains fluid in the ear and reduces pain. You may also ask your child to avoid sleeping on the side with ear pain, as pressure may further aggravate the condition.

Use olive oil

While not proven, putting a few drops of warm olive oil may help ease pain and pressure in your child’s ear. However, consult your doctor first before trying this remedy on your child.

Try herbal ear pain drops

Many herbal ear drops are available to treat ear pain. However, you must be sure if they are fit for use in children. For safety reasons, ask your paediatrician for suggestions. Use the ear pain drops as directed on the label or as suggested by the doctor to prevent complications.

Use garlic oil

Garlic has been used for ages to treat ear pain. Make a garlic-infused oil by cooking a few pieces of garlic in a few tablespoons of olive or sesame oil. Cool the oil completely before putting a few drops into the ear for pain relief.

Try hydrogen peroxide solution

If your child’s pain is due to wax buildup inside the ear, you may use hydrogen peroxide as a remedy. Mix equal quantities of water and hydrogen peroxide, and put a few drops of this solution into your child’s ear using a clean dropper. The solution will soften the wax and may relieve ear pain.

Keep your child distracted

Distraction can be effective in directing your child’s mind to things other than ear pain. So, do what you can to keep your child distracted. Play games, watch their favourite movie together, or eat something delicious, just to engage them in things they love.

Give an OTC pain reliever medication

An over-the-counter pain relief medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can come in handy to reduce ear pain in children. But before you give any medication, call your doctor to know the right dosage for your child.

Ear Pain in Kids Due to Cold

Sometimes, the culprit behind ear pain is a cold or flu. If your child has a cold or had one in the recent past, they may develop ear pain. The viruses that cause a cold or flu can also cause inflammation and fluid buildup in your child’s ears, leading to pain. Some home remedies for ear pain due to a cold are:

• Give fluids to drink
• Turn on the humidifier
• Ask your child to rest
• If your child is older than 12 years, give an OTC decongestant (ask your doctor first).
• Or else, give a pain reliever

When to Visit Your Child’s Paediatrician

If your child complains of ear pain, give a call to your child’s paediatrician to discuss the symptoms and ask if you can try home remedies. With their approval, go ahead and see if your child’s ear pain gets better. Also, be on the lookout for symptoms that indicate the need for a doctor’s visit. They are:

• Your child has difficulty hearing
• You can see fluid coming out of their ear
• You think an object is stuck inside your child’s ear
• Your child has a fever
• There is swelling behind their ear
• Their symptoms do not get better in a day or two

Final Thoughts

It is common to find parents taking their children to a paediatrician’s clinic for ear pain. Most times, ear pain is nothing too serious and can be managed at home. If your child complains of mild pain and is able to carry out daily activities, you may try the home remedies for ear pain in kids mentioned above.

However, if your child complains of severe pain or looks uncomfortable, it will be better if you take them to the doctor for an examination.

FAQs

What is the most common reason for ear pain in kids?

One of the common reasons for ear pain in kids is acute otitis media or ear infection. It happens when the space behind the eardrums gets infected by a virus or bacteria. Other causes of ear pain in children include sore throat, teething, and blocked Eustachian tubes.

How long does it take for ear pain to go away?

If the ear pain is caused by an ear infection, it typically gets better in 2-3 days. Sometimes, it may linger a little longer. If you’re concerned, call your paediatrician.

Can you treat a child's ear infection at home?

It is possible to treat your child at home if they have a mild ear infection. For moderate to severe infections, you must see a doctor for prescription medications.

Which medicine is best for child ear pain?

You may give your child ear pain medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for ear pain. However, it is best to get a go-ahead from your child’s paediatrician before giving any medicine to your child.

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/11-effective-earache-remedies#distraction

https://www.mottchildren.org/posts/your-child/ear-pain-children

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