Ear Pain

Pain or discomfort around the ear. Older children will be able to report the pain. Younger children may let you know their ear hurts with nonverbal actions such as decreased sleep, decreased appetite, increased crying or fussiness. 

Reason to Have Your Child Seen

We would want your child to be seen immediately if severe pain, fussiness or your child looks very sick or weak. Depending upon the situation we may want you to call 911. Reasons to seek medical assistance:

• Stiff neck
• Fever greater than 105° F (40.5° C) if child is over 12 weeks of age
• Fever greater than 100.4 F (38° C) if child is under 12 weeks of age
• Pointed object was inserted into the ear canal
• Earache is severe
• Any concerns you may have for your child

Home Care Advice for Suspected Ear Infection

Pain Medication: Give Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) for pain relief. Don't give Motrin to a child less than 6 months of age.

Local Cold: Apply cold pack or cold wet washcloth to the outer ear for 20 minutes while pain medication has time to take effect.

Avoid Eardrops: Unprescribed ear drops may make it difficult to see the infection during the office visit.

Avoid Earplugs: If pus or cloudy fluid is draining from the ear canal, wipe it away as it appears. Avoid plugging with cotton because it can cause an infection of the canal. 

Wax candle treatments are not advised, secondary to the risk of burn injury.

If you have any concerns about your baby's health, please call. This Website is meant to be a guideline, not a substitute for the care of a competent health care provider. Please do not give any medicines without talking to your doctor first. We are happy to help you in any way we can. 

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