Ear Pain in Toddlers

My toddler has never had an ear infection, but she frequently pulls at her ears and tells me that her ears are "sick". Ear pain in toddlers can have many causes, but they are most often the result of bacterial infections, allergy-related congestion or trapped fluid. After several fruitless visits to the pediatrician, it was found that my daughter's ear aches are caused by irritation from allergies.

If you've noticed a lot of ear aches in your toddler, follow these guidelines for determining the underlying cause and working to address the problem.

Visit the Doctor

Don't wait to take your toddler to the doctor if she has ear pain. While antibiotics aren't always necessary to treat ear infections in toddlers, they are most effective when they are used in the early stages of the condition. Take your child to his health care provider to find out whether an allergy, infection or other problem is to blame. From there, you can work to address the issue.

Easing the Pain

Many simple home remedies can relieve pain from ear infections. Some toddlers experience worsened pain when they lie flat; a pillow can prevent this problem at night. Heating pads placed against the ear can help to soothe pain and draw out infections, but use caution to avoid burning your toddler. If your health care provider approves, consider using a willow-bark blend or peroxide formula to help ease the pain.

Medication

Several over-the-counter drugs are safe and effective for treating ear pain in toddlers. Ask your doctor about using children's acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) to reduce your toddler's ear pain. An antihistamine may help to eliminate allergy-related ear pain, as can a natural saline rinse. If the pain is very severe, his doctor may recommend a drug containing codeine to relieve the pain. Understand that over-the-counter drugs for toddlers can still cause serious side effects, so use them only as directed by your health care provider.

Preventing a Recurrence

You can prevent your child's ear pain from recurring by eliminating its underlying cause. If your pediatrician recommends an antibiotic, be sure to finish the entire round of treatment-- even if the pain goes away-- to prevent the infection from coming back. Do not allow your toddler to drink from a bottle; these cause ear infections even in resilient children. Take care to reduce his exposure to viral infections, allergens, and irritants like cigarette smoke.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding your toddler's ear pain.