How Do I Know If My Child Has An Earache?

As a parent we must always be watchful of possible signs of pain, children for example, when suffering from ear pain from an infection, tend not to hear or avoid touching that area of the head. You should also check your child every day, at bath time, or daily cleaning; this not only allows you to detect any disorders in your child’s body but also gives you security as a parent because it lets you be aware of your child’s health.

My Child's Ear Is Red And Swollen. What Should I Do?

If you notice that your child’s ear is red and hurts when touched, he or she may have an infection. You should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Are There Different Types Of Earaches?

No, but the causes of ear pain can be different. The most common cause in children is otitis. An ear infection can be defined in two ways: otitis externa and otitis media. Otitis externa usually involves the eardrum or tympanic membrane outward, while otitis media involves the tympanic membrane inward; that is, one is an outer ear infection, and the other is a middle ear infection. When children suffer from a lot of mucus or colds, otitis media is likely the cause. This is because the movements of mucus from the nose or throat to the middle ear, as all these things are communicated through the Eustachian tube. There are also other known causes of ear pain, such as a ruptured ossicle or ear canal due to handling, a build-up of earwax that creates a plug, an abscess, or referred pain from nearby, such as pain from tonsillitis that is felt in the ear.

How Do You Get Rid Of an Earache Fast?

First, it is vital to see a specialist to detect the precise cause of the pain. We can mask the clinical debut if we treat it before detecting the cause. After the cause of the pain is clear, the treatment proceeds. Since acute otitis is the most frequent cause, in most cases, it is necessary to start taking antibiotics and analgesics to relieve the pain. Finally, experts also take into account whether it’s the first time with ear pain, the intensity of the ache or swelling, and if it involves both ears. It is also essential for the child’s age, if symptoms appear quickly or he or she has months with the infection, and if the hearing is affected. All this helps to choose the right treatment for each case.

Earache

Earache and Sore Throat

Earaches and ear problems are common, especially in young children. Although this condition can be very painful, it is usually benign and not a cause for concern. Sometimes, however, earaches can be responsible for serious complications with long-term repercussions.

The physicians at Pediatrics of Sugarland are here to help your child with this painful condition, but to also prevent any serious damage. Contact us today to book your appointment!

Earaches Q&A

What is an earache?

An earache is defined as a painful sensation in the ear. An earache can affect one or both ears. Sometimes, an earache may be accompanied by inflammatory signs such as ear swelling, redness, or discharge, which are signs of an outer ear infection, the most common cause of earaches.

What causes ear infection?

Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria or viruses that infiltrate the middle ear, often following a cold, flu, or allergy that causes inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, throat, and eustachian tubes. The eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, play a crucial role in maintaining pressure balance and draining fluid from the middle ear. When these tubes become swollen or blocked due to an illness or allergy, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear, providing a conducive environment for bacteria or viruses to grow, resulting in an ear infection. Other factors such as smoking, climate changes, and altitude changes can also contribute to the development of ear infections.

What are the different parts of the ear?

Being aware of the ear anatomy may help parents understand their children’s earache better The ear is made of 3 compartments or parts:
– The external ear: the part of the ear that we can see. It’s made of the auricle and the outer ear canal, at the end of which is located the tympanic membrane.
– The middle ear: located on the other side of the tympanic membrane. It is shaped like a square and contains three small bones that will transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.
– The inner ear: will help transmit the sound vibrations to the brain. It is also responsible for balance and proprioception.

What are the common causes of an earache?

The most common causes of an earache include:
– External ear infections: They usually happen after bathing or going to the pool, as a consequence of earwax buildup, or after getting a small object stuck in the outer ear canal.
– Middle ear infection: in younger children, usually the result of a Eustachian tube dysfunction caused by an upper respiratory tract infection, or adenoid vegetations.
Sometimes, other types of pain can be mistaken for earaches. Such is the case for toothaches, or temporo-mandibular joint disorders.

What are the signs of an earache?

Older children are usually able to express themselves and will let their discomfort and the exact location of their pain known. In younger children, however, an earache may go unnoticed or will simply present as a child crying for no reason.

Sometimes, inflammatory signs to the external ear will help guide the diagnosis, or in the case of a middle ear infection, the examination of the tympanic membrane with an otoscope will help. A rule of thumb is to always examine the middle ear in a child who’s inexplicably in pain or who has a fever.

The context can also be telling, especially if the child or their parent reports a recent trip to the pool, or getting something stuck in the child’s ear.

What are the consequences of an untreated earache?

The pain from an earache can be quite severe, hence the importance of urgent medical care. If untreated, the pain can cause the child to become irritable, agitated, and to be unable to eat or sleep.

An earache caused by a middle ear infection or an object stuck in the ear canal can potentially perforate the tympanic membrane, causing hearing loss which if untreated, can be permanent. This hearing loss, especially in younger children who haven’t begun to talk yet, can impair their speech and language development.

Another potential complication of an infection-related earache is, if untreated, the infection can spread to the brain, thus causing life-threatening complications.

What’s the importance of medical care if my child has an earache?

An earache can be an extremely painful and uncomfortable condition, hence the importance of the right medical treatment to not only alleviate the pain but also treat the underlying cause of the earache.

Furthermore, some causes of earaches may have serious and long-term complications like hearing loss, speech development delay, and even brain infection.

For all these reasons and more, consulting a doctor is imperative if your child suffers from an earache.

Pediatrics of Sugar Land

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