Which parent has never experienced the doubt and desperation of not knowing what is wrong with their child? When children can’t speak yet, crying is the only way to communicate that something is wrong, but how do you figure out what it is? How do you know if, for example, it is ear pain?

Ear pain in children is a problem that is not always identified right away, as it is almost always a recurrent symptom of another health issue, like a cold or a throat infection. And when they can’t say where they feel discomfort or pain, it makes it even harder for parents to identify the problem.

The problem is more common in children than in adults, and it can be a constant issue or occur as sudden stabs of pain. The pain is very uncomfortable. It can feel like burning and causes irritability.

Otitis

It can appear in one ear or both at the same time. Ear pain in children, or otitis as pediatricians call it, is a very common inflammation during childhood, especially up to 3 years of age—a stage when children often suffer from colds, flu, and mucus buildup that cause infections.

Causes

The viruses and bacteria present in this mucus can reach the ear, producing pus and fluids that press on the eardrum, causing severe pain, foul odor, and in some cases even temporary hearing loss in the child.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis must be made by a pediatrician through clinical evaluation, where the airways, inner ear, and throat must be analyzed. Usually, symptoms such as itching in the ear, strong odor together with visible discharge are signs of a possible infection and should be reported to the pediatrician as soon as possible.

Symptoms

Difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite are also signs of ear pain, since the constant pain makes it impossible to lie down, chew, nurse, or eat in any form. Fever and irritability, as well as the child rubbing or holding the ear repeatedly, are also signs of discomfort.

Treatment for Ear Pain in Children

After a medical consultation and evaluation, treatment should be started immediately so that the pain and discomfort are relieved as quickly as possible. The treatment mainly involves antibiotics that fight the infectious bacteria.

The use of analgesics, antipyretics, and anti-inflammatories may be part of the treatment, and must be used exactly for the number of days prescribed by the doctor, even if symptoms disappear earlier. In addition to the medications applied directly to the ear area, pain relief methods are also recommended, such as using a warm compress.

A cloth soaked in warm water, properly wrung out, can be placed over the baby’s or child’s ear, especially before bedtime. Gel packs can also be used for this procedure, which brings immediate relief and helps the child relax.

Nutrition is also very important, since it keeps the child nourished and hydrated. It’s important to offer plenty of fluids and try to provide softer foods that are easier to swallow and chew, since discomfort makes this harder.

Some Recommendations

To prevent and keep children away from this issue, avoid letting them nurse completely lying down. Try to keep their head higher than the rest of the body. After bathing, proper ear hygiene should be carried out carefully, especially to remove water buildup, which can encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria that cause ear pain.

See also: Child with Headache – What Could It Be?

Photos: ramhatter, World Bank Photo Collection

_ Key Information Box:

  1. Ear pain in children is a problem that is not always identified right away, as it is almost always a recurrent symptom of another health issue.
  2. Ear pain in children, or otitis as pediatricians call it, is a very common inflammation during childhood.
  3. The viruses and bacteria present in this mucus can reach the ear, producing pus and fluids that press on the eardrum, causing severe pain and foul odor.
  4. The diagnosis must be made by a pediatrician through clinical evaluation, where the airways, inner ear, and throat must be analyzed