Earache

Does this describe your child's symptoms?

Definition

Pain or discomfort in or around the ear
Child reports an earache
Younger child acts like he did with previous ear infection (e.g., crying or fussy)

Cause

Usually due to an ear infection
Ear infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Usually, your child’s doctor can tell the difference by looking at the eardrum.
Ear infections peak at age 6 months to 2 years
The onset of ear infections peaks on day 3 of a cold

Return to School

An earache or ear infection is not contagious. No need to miss any school or child care.

If not, see these topics

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
	Not moving or very weak
	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	Your child looks or acts very sick Earache is severe and not improved 2 hours after taking ibuprofen Pink or red swelling behind the ear Stiff neck (can't touch chin to chest) Pointed object was inserted into the ear canal (e.g., a pencil, stick or wire) Weak immune system (sickle cell disease, HIV, chemotherapy, organ transplant, chronic steroids, etc) Fever over 104° F (40° C) and not improved 2 hours after fever medicine You think your child needs to be seen urgently
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	Earache, but none of the symptoms described above (Reason: possible ear infection) Pus or cloudy discharge from ear canal

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SUSPECTED EAR INFECTION (until you talk with your doctor)

Reassurance:
- Your child may have an ear infection. The only way to be sure is to examine the eardrum.
- Diagnosis and treatment can safely wait until morning if the earache begins after your child's doctor's office is closed.
- Ear pain can be controlled with pain medicine and eardrops.
Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief or for fever above 102° F (39° C).
Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or a cold wet wash cloth to the outer ear for 20 minutes to reduce pain while the pain medicine takes effect. (Note: Some children prefer local heat for 20 minutes.)
Ear Drainage:
- If pus or cloudy fluid is draining from the ear canal, the eardrum has ruptured from an ear infection.
- Wipe the pus away as it appears.
- Avoid plugging with cotton (Reason: Retained pus causes irritation or infection of the ear canal).
Eardrops: 3 drops of plain olive oil (or prescription eardrops) will usually relieve pain not helped by pain medicine. If your child has ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum, don't use them.
Contagiousness: Ear infections are not contagious.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your child develops severe pain
- Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Earache
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