It is normal for a child to get ear pain from time to time. While some cases of earache occur due to change in air pressure or congestion, others may be caused by a bacterial infection. Earaches in children are not a major cause for worry unless they persist for days on end and are accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, fever or facial swelling. In this case, it is imperative that you get immediate medical attention for the child. However, if it just a normal earache, you can easily take care of it with simple remedies found in the home. Accordingly, here are some of the most common home remedies used for treating ear pain in children.
Washcloth Compress
You would need a damp washcloth for this. Fashion the washcloth to create a compress that needs to be placed on your kid’s ear for at least 20 minutes. This would effectively relieve ear pain. You can opt for either hot or cold compresses depending on which works better for your child. Make sure the temperature of the water is appropriate before placing the compress on your kid’s ear (especially if it is a warm compress). Remove the washcloth after about 20 minutes and wait for some time before placing the cloth back on the ear. This would provide extended relief from ear pain.
Chewing Gum, Lollipop or Pacifier
Changes in air pressure can sometimes cause ear pain in children. This change in air pressure is most noticed on a mountainous terrain or abroad an aircraft. In this case, you can choose the remedy according to the age of your child. If your child is more than four years of age, you can give him/her a chewing gum, which would help unclog their ears. If your child is a preschooler, you can give him/her a lollipop for the same purpose. Babies on the other hand, can get relief from ear pain if they are given a pacifier or bottle.
Saline Sprays
Nasal congestion can sometimes lead to ear pain in children. As such, relieving nasal congestion would automatically unclog the ears and reduce ear pain. In these cases, your best bet would be a saline spray or nose drops that would act as a decongestant and unclog your child’s nose as well as ears. This would offer immediate relief from ear pain.
OTC Medications
If your child is more than 4 years of age, you can consider giving him/her an over the counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce ear pain. Follow the instructions on the label carefully to prevent overdose though.
Summary
There is no need to panic when your child complains of ear pain. These home remedies would help you get rid of this ear pain quickly and effectively. Take your child to the doctor only if the ear pain persists after following these remedies.
