An earache occurs when there is swelling, inflammation, injury, or irritation affecting one or more parts of the inner or outer ear. The ear is composed of several smaller parts, like eustachian tubes, that work together to drain fluid and help a person hear, among other things. The eustachian tube connects the back of the throat to the eardrum, allowing fluid to freely drain, but when this tube becomes blocked, it can lead to pain, swelling, and bacterial growth.
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An ear infection, known as acute otitis media, occurs when a bacteria or virus grows behind the eardrum and may cause a slew of symptoms. In many cases, an earache or ear infection will heal on its own, but ear pain is among the most common reasons for children to see a Houston ENT doctor for pediatric earaches.
Earache symptoms in children
Earaches in children are often a symptom of a bigger issue. In infants, it can be more difficult to determine what is going on as they cannot communicate with words when they are in pain. If your child is non-verbal or is simply too young to form words, you may notice increased irritability, crying more than normal for no obvious reason, pulling at their ears, fever, or changes in eating or sleeping habits as signs of an earache.
It is easier to detect appetite changes in bottle-fed babies as bottles are often given every 2-4 hours.
Symptoms of ear pain in children include:
- A loss of appetite. Appetite changes are common in children suffering from an earache as the pressure inside the middle ear fluctuates when you swallow, causing an increase in pain.
- Fever. Earaches caused by infection are often accompanied by a fever of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Drainage. As the fluid builds up inside the ear canal, it may begin to drain from the ears. This is different from earwax falling out of the ears and is typically brown, white, or yellow. If you experience discolored drainage, seek medical care as it may indicate the eardrum has ruptured.
- Mood changes. Increased irritability is common among children experiencing earaches as the frequent pain can be draining.
- Difficulty sleeping. The pain from an earache worsens when lying horizontally as the pressure increases upon postural changes.
- Hearing problems. The middle ear is home to small bones and nerves responsible for sending electrical signals to the brain to transmit sounds. When there is a blockage in the middle ear, it can cause hearing impairments.
Common Causes of an Earache in Children
Ear pain may be caused by many things in infants, children, and adults.
Ear infection
The most common cause of earaches in children is acute otitis media (ear infection). An ear infection occurs when a virus or bacteria reaches the eardrum through the eustachian tube, the small tube that connects the back of the throat and the middle ear canal.
In children, the eustachian tubes are curved more and significantly shorter than that in an adult making it easier for bacteria to reach the middle ear. When the eustachian tubes are affected, it can lead to inflammation or swelling that blocks fluid from draining properly.
Other causes of earaches in children include:
Swimmers ear
Swimmers ear (otitis externa) is a common cause of earaches that is seen more during summer months and in swimmers. It is the result of the skin lining the ear canal becoming infected or irritated, resulting in extreme itching, pain, and earaches.
Injury
An injury to any part of the ear canal can be painful. It may be the result of your fingernail cutting the inner ear while you are scratching or an injury caused by sticking a cotton swab too far into the ear.
Abscess
There are several hair follicles throughout the ear canal. When a follicle becomes infected, it can lead to the development of a small, red pimple that will need to be drained to remove the infection.
Earwax
Earwax is a common culprit of blockages in the ear canal. When the earwax hardens, it can lead to increased pain, inflammation, and irritation in the ear canal.
Foreign obstruction
Young children are notorious for inserting small objects like beads, peas, and legos into their noses and ears. This foreign body obstruction can block the ear canal, scratch the inner lining, and cause many other complications that can lead to earaches and pains.
How to Stop an Earache in Children at Home
At-home earache remedies for your child can help to reduce the severity of symptoms your child is experiencing. For most, earaches are not a cause for prescription medication or treatment from a physician. An earache can be treated within the comfort of your home by:
- Avoid water getting into the ear canal, especially dirty water from the beaches, lakes, and ponds
- Remain in an upright position, even while sleeping, to avoid pressure changes in the ear
- Use over-the-counter medications like ear drops and pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation
- Chewing gum (in children older enough to chew gum) can help to alleviate pressure, whereas bottle-feeding an infant can accompany similar results.
Treatment Options for Earaches in Children
For parents who have tried at-home remedies without results, you may be wondering how to stop an earache in children that are suffering. When pain persists and over-the-counter medications do not provide relief, further treatment may be necessary from your primary care provider.
Earache treatment options depend on the source of the pain and may include:
- Ear cleaning. Your doctor may use a method known as ear lavage to flush the ear canal from any ear wax that has built up and cannot be easily removed. In addition, your doctor may use a suction catheter to remove hardened wax, allowing for a clear ear canal.
- Antibiotics. When an earache is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment will help to rid the infection of the inner ear, eustachian tube, and other parts of the ear canal. It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotic treatments rather than stopping once symptoms dissipate as this will lead to recurrent otitis media.
When to see a houston ENT doctor for pediatric earaches
Pediatric earaches can be difficult for children and parents, but an ENT doctor can help treat the underlying cause of pain and provide you with tools to help your child experience symptom relief. If your child is experiencing the following symptoms, it is time to seek medical treatment:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Swelling
- Severe pain
- Facial drooping
- Drainage of blood or pus from the ear
- Persistent fever that is not broken by medications
If the pain worsens, is not relieved within 48 hours, or suddenly stops - seek medical care from an ENT physician. The sudden stop of pain can indicate the eardrum has ruptured and needs immediate attention.
Treating Pediatric Earaches in the Greater Houston Area
ENT physicians at Houston Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy, your top-rated local ENT and allergy specialist, have been treating a variety of conditions related to the ears, nose, throat, and sinuses since 1907. What started as a one-man show more than 100 years ago flourished into an ENT practice with 10 locations throughout Houston and the surrounding areas.
Our top-rated physicians treat many conditions, including allergy and sinus disorders, ear and balance disorders, hearing problems, facial and plastic surgery, throat disorders, sleep apnea, and snoring. From birth to seniors, we believe everyone deserves the right to accessible and efficient medical care, which is why we strive to provide excellent patient care, increased efficiency and use the latest advances in treatment methods, tools, and equipment to ensure each patient is treated with respect, empathy, and will see pain and symptom resolution.
We understand the sense of urgency surrounding conditions that cause severe pain. Because of this, we offer same-day appointments for many services provided by our practice.
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