If a child is constantly crying and look restless or keep moving his ears away from you is a sign that he/she has ear pain.
Ear pain or acne is the most common condition in early childhood. This pain can be unbearable and children find it difficult to sleep, eat or to do anything they want.
There are many reasons for earaches such as infections, perforated ear drums or boils. However bacterial infection is the major cause for ear pain in children while other discomfort may be simply a result of congestion or change in air pressure.
People may think it as a silly problem but they can cause debilitating pain. Instead of waiting for medical care, some home remedies can treat this pain easily.
If the child is experiencing severe ear pain with symptoms like problem with balance, trouble in responding for quiet sounds, fever or facial swelling and clumsiness, you should immediately consult your doctor. Here are some home remedies which will help you to get rid of ear pain in kids as well as in adults too.
Before that, let’s explore to the causes of ear pain in kids.
Causes Of Ear Pain In Kids
Causes of ear pain in kids include as follows:
- Change in air pressure
- Congestion
- Ear wax
- Sinus infection
- Sinusitis
- Cavities
Here are some effective home remedies to help your children to get rid of ear pain for constant relief.
Home Remedies For Ear Pain In Kids
The following are simple home remedies for ear pain in kids.
1. Warm Compress
Warm compress helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the ear. It also prevents micro organism from multiplying.
- Dip a clean wash cloth in lukewarm water and rinse the excess water from it. Now apply this cloth on the affected ear and leave it for 2-3 minutes. Repeat this process for 10 times, it may be uncomfortable for children but it provides relief.
- Alternatively, you can place a heating pad near the affected ear for 5-10 minutes, it will also help you to get rid of ear pain easily.
2. Garlic
Garlic is an effective way to treat ear pain, due to its anti biotic properties it will reduce pain caused by ear infection in kids.
- Heat one tea spoon of minced garlic in two table spoons of sesame oil. Let it cool down and purify the oil. Put 2 or 3 drops of garlic oil in affected ear. You can use this oil as homemade ear drops 2 or 3 times a day.
- If you want to avoid reoccurring of ear pain for your children, then make them to eat at least one garlic clove each day.
3. Cold Compress
Cold compress is one of the best ways to reduce pain and inflammation. The cold temperature will help to numb the nerves around the ears, which in turn result in reducing pain.
- Soak a wash cloth in cool water tub and wring out excess water from it. Now place this cloth on affected ear of your child and repeat this for more than 2-3 times to get of relief from the pain.
- Alternatively, you can wrap some ice cubes in a towel and place it on the affected ear for some time. But never put ice directly on the skin, it can cause damage.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the best essential oil to treat skin and health issues. This oil can also help to reduce pain in the ears. Even though it is not scientifically proven, it can soothe pain in the ears.
- Heat 2 table spoons of olive oil, once it is warm enough to touch. Put few drops of olive oil in the affected ear of your child.
- Make sure the olive oil is no warmer than your child body temperature. But it’s still a good idea to discuss with your doctor first before following this method.
5. Over The Counter Pain Relievers
Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen will control pain associated with ear infection. It can be used with or without antibiotics. But make sure to consult your doctor for appropriate dose for children.
6. Breast Milk
Breast milk contains natural antibodies that will speed up the process of healing the pain of the ear.
A study in 2016 has concluded that breastfeeding is a good option to protect your baby from certain infections.
- Put a few drops of breast milk into the affected ear using a dropper to reduce the pain. Repeat it as needed.
7. Warm Steam
This is another effective method to reduce ear pain in children. Steam helps to fight against sinus infections and alleviate congestion.
The warmth of the moisture also thin the mucus to make it easier to expel.
- Take a large bowl of full of hot water and help your child to inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this twice in a day.
- For small babies, run a hot shower and close the door to prevent steam escaping from the room. Or sit with your baby in steam filled bathroom and help your baby to inhale steam at least for 30 minutes a day.
8. Sucking
Air pressure is one of the common reasons for experiencing ear pain in children. In such cases sucking helps the children to reducing the pressure in the Eustachian tubes by providing some relief.
- Babies who are nursing will feel better when allowed and encourages to nurse as frequently as possible.
- The children who are above 4 can even chew gum to unclog their ears and suck on hard candy or cough drops.
Additional Tips
- Avoid overusing of antibiotics, because that may lead to anti biotic resistant infections.
- After your child’s shower or bath, use a blow dryer in low temperature to prevent water from settling in the ears
- Ear pain can also be controlled by using acupressure procedure too.
- Always consult your doctor if your child has severe pain and cannot be controlled by following these home remedies.