Top Tips For Treating Children's Earaches

Earaches, from ear infections or colds, happen in children more frequently than in adults, according to the National Institutes of Health. As an adult, you probably remember what an earache feels like and do not want to see your little one suffering. The pain is not only uncomfortable, it can also signal an underlying condition that could lead to hearing loss.

The National Institutes of Health suggests that you look for earache symptoms like fussiness, fever and tugging at the ears. Older children may express directly that their ears hurt. These symptoms should prompt a visit to your pediatrician. However, sometimes no symptoms are present. Taking a child for regular checkups will allow a doctor to see the fluid built up in the middle ear and potentially treat it as an asymptomatic ear infection.

Causes of Earaches in Children

There are a number of underlying causes that could be behind your child's ear discomfort or infection.

• Bacteria or virus in the inner ear - The Mayo Clinic narrows ear infection down to two culprits: bacteria and viruses. These cause fluid to build up in the middle ear. This, in turn, causes pain and inflammation.

• Allergies - When allergies cause swelling and inflammation, the inner ear can develop a blockage. Blockage results in fluid buildup, which leads to pain and can promote infection.

• Upper respiratory infection - Respiratory infections or colds can cause the same blockages as allergies and can result in the same pressure in the middle ear.

• Pacifier use - While pacifier use alone may not cause an ear infection, a review published in the British Journal of Community Nursing suggests that it can make the risk three times greater than in children who do not use pacifiers.

• Second-hand smoke - Second-hand smoke can play a causative role in ear infections. Keep your children away from it whenever possible.

Seasonal Factors Lead to Earaches

Different seasons present different risks for ear infection. You can protect your children from some of them with just a few precautions.

• Allergies - As mentioned above, allergies can play a role in causing ear infections. Talk to your doctor about treating your child's seasonal allergies in order to prevent blockage of the middle ear.

• Cold & flu - The Mayo Clinic reports that fall and winter have the highest incidence of ear infection because of viruses like the flu.

• Bacteria - Your child is at much higher risk for an ear infection type known as "swimmer's ear" during the summer months when he or she is swimming in public pools or ponds.

Tips for Treating Children's Earaches

When it comes to treating an earache, it is all about treating the cause.

• For infections, it is best to see a doctor who can prescribe strong medicine to eliminate the infection and alleviate pressure. These can include drops and antibiotics.
• Take pains to prevent allergy flare-ups. Use anti-allergy medications recommended by your pediatrician.
• Use earplugs wherever and whenever you swim, especially if your kid likes to keep his or her head underwater.
• Consult your doctor about getting flu shots for your entire family every year.

No matter how you treat your child's earache, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as symptoms appear.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.