Earache in Children

The Functions of the Ear

The outer ear and the middle ear make up the ear. The outer ear is made up of the ear canal through which sound waves pass and hit the eardrum causing it to vibrate. The space behind the eardrum constitutes the middle ear that is connected to the back of the throat via the Eustachian tube. When the eardrum moves, three tiny bones (which are called the anvil, stirrup and hammer) move too. It is this movement that sends sound waves to the inner ear, which in turn sends sound messages to the brain.

Why do so many children suffer from earaches?

The reason for earache in children may arise because of an infection in the ear called otitis media. It may also occur because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and shorter than those in adults. Studies have revealed that more than three-fourths of children suffer from ear infection by their third birthday and nearly half of the recorded numbers have had three or four infections before they attain three years of age.

What are signs and symptoms of earache in children?

Some of the signs and symptoms of earache in children are:

• Tugging of the ears
• Pain when touching the ears
• Increase in ear pain while swallowing, chewing and blowing the nose
• Buzzing or ringing in the ears
• Unclear speech

If there is a break in the eardrum because of too much pressure behind the ears then there may be pus and blood oozing out from the ear.

What are the factors that put my child at risk of an earache?

The factors are:

• Bottle-feeding instead of breast feeding
• Spending time where there is second hand smoke
• Previous ear infections, especially those before the child’s first birthday
• When the child is born premature or had a low birth weight
• Sex of the child (boys are more to middle ear infections than girls)
• Inclusion of a foreign body in the ear

What should I do when my child complains of discomfort?

To ease the pain you can place a warm water bottle or a covered ice bag over the ear.

When should I seek the doctor’s advice?

It is advisable to call a doctor when:

• Your child suffers from temperature.
• Your child keeps on crying and is not as active as usual.
• Your child develops a rash on the skin.
• Your child begins vomiting or has diarrhea.
• Your child develops symptoms that have not occurred before.

What is the treatment that is followed for earache?

The treatment may include:

• Pain relievers, which will help reduce the fever and make you child feel better.
• Ear drops.
• If the ear pain is because of bacteria, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.