Ear Pain in Children

Ear is the sense organ associated with hearing. It is a vital organ that is not only responsible for detecting sound waves, but for maintaining balance and body position as well. Human ear has three main parts, known as outer ear or pinna, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear or pinna is also known by the name auricle. Pain or discomfort in and around the ear can be caused by several factors. The medical term for ear pain is 'otalgia' and it is quite common in young children. So, let's have a look at the different causes, symptoms as well as how to treat ear pain in children.

Ear Pain Causes
One of the most common causes of ear pain in adults and children is ear infection, mainly infection of the middle ear. Middle ear infection is commonly known as otitis media, which is usually preceded by cold, cough or fever. This is because, cold, cough or allergy can cause blockage of the Eustachian tube by promoting buildup of secretions. Eustachian tube connects the middle ear and nose and its blockage can encourage fluid buildup and entry of germs into the middle ear, which then results in ear infection and pain. Know more about ear infections.

Like middle ear infection, outer ear infection or otitis externa can also produce pain and discomfort in the ear. Outer ear infection is generally known as swimmer's ear, as it is more commonly found in people who swim a lot. So, a child can easily get swimmer's ear, if he or she is either swimming frequently or immersing the head under water while taking a bath. This causes water to get trapped in the ear canal, that eventually results in infection and irritation. Mastoiditis or inflammation of the mastoid can be another cause for ear pain in children.

Apart from ear infection, pain in tooth and throat can radiate to the ears and cause ear pain, even if there is no ear infection. Otitis media can at times, results in perforation of the eardrum, in which case the child no longer feels pain. This is because, the perforation allows the pus that is pushing the eardrum, to drain out of the ear. Sometimes, buildup of ear wax in the ear canal can cause infection, which is also characterized by pain as well as a ringing sensation in the ear (tinnitus). Some other common causes of ear pain in children are temperomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), sore throat, mumps, tonsillitis, sinus infection, ulcers in the oral cavity and tongue, etc.

Symptoms of Ear Pain in Children
The typical symptoms of ear pain include, pain and discomfort in the ear along with a ringing sensation, which is known as 'tinnitus'. The affected child may complain about earache, when the ear is touched. He or she may experience increased ear pain when swallowing foods, and you can frequently observe him or her pulling or rubbing the ear. Ear pain is often observed to be accompanied by fever and irritability. Know more about tinnitus.

Treatment for Ear Pain in Children
Generally, physicians initially recommend ear drops for treating ear pain in children. But, an infection in any part of the ear may necessitate the use of oral or topical antibiotics. Sometimes, in addition to antibiotics, steroid ear drops are also suggested for ear pain relief in children.

Home Remedies for Ear Pain in Children
At times, home remedies can be very effective for easing mild ear pain in children, which is not associated with any kind of infection. One such simple home remedy for ear pain is cold or warm compress. However, take care not to use an extremely cold or warm compress and make sure that you apply it to the outer ear only.

Slightly warm olive oil can act as topical pain reliever and so, a warm pack of olive oil placed on the ear can help your child to get temporary relief from ear pain. Olive oil and other mineral oil can also be used for softening impacted ear wax. This is a safe natural method for ear wax removal, provided the eardrum of your child is not perforated. Certain herbal products like garlic juice, chamomile extract and clove oil can be used to treat ear infection, but one should consult an expert before trying them in young children.

However, if the pain becomes very severe, home remedies for ear pain in children may not be very effective. Therefore, if the symptoms of ear pain in children do not improve within 48 hours, and the child experiences headache, dizziness along with pain, then medical intervention will be required, as ear infection may even cause loss of hearing. But, even if the pain stops suddenly, it is better to consult a physician. This is because, ear pain subsiding suddenly may indicate perforation of the eardrum. Know more about hearing loss.

In addition to treatment and home remedies for ear pain in children, it is also essential to take certain precautionary measures to prevent such ear problems in future. Never insert any object inside the child's ear and close his or her ears with cotton swabs while giving a bath. Also do not forget to dry the ear immediately after a bath. This would minimize the possibility of water getting trapped inside the ear and causing ear infection and pain.