Ear infections are common throughout childhood. Unfortunately, many little ones will experience at least one ear infection before they reach their teenage years. However, these infections don’t always need in-office treatment.
When your child comes down with an ear infection, it’s normal to want to treat and resolve their pain. Find out when to treat your child’s ear infection at home and when it’s time to see a children’s doctor.
Ear Infection Symptoms in Children
The most common sign of an ear infection in children is persistent ear pain. In very young children, this can present as pulling on or messing with the ear for no clear reason.
Other symptoms include:
- Sensation of fullness in the ear
- Ear pressure
- Fluid leaking from the ear (drainage)
- Temporary hearing problems
- Mild fever
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
If you notice that your child has ear discomfort, an ear infection is a likely cause. Over 80% of children have at least one ear infection by age three.
What Causes Ear Infections in Kids?
This is where it gets tricky. Ear infections in children can have many different root causes. One child’s infection might be caused by bacteria, while others could be the result of viral symptoms.
The common cold and influenza can both lead to ear infections. Sinus congestion and drainage can irritate the tubes in your child’s ear that keep fluid moving. This can cause the bacterial buildup that results in an ear infection.
Are Ear Infections Contagious?
Many parents wonder whether ear infections are contagious. The short answer is no, ear infections themselves are not inherently contagious.
Children can’t directly spread an ear infection to their peers, but the underlying viruses that may cause them usually spread rapidly among kids. So if your child is around other kids with cold, flu, or other upper respiratory symptoms, they may end up with an ear infection.
Can You Prevent Ear Infections in Kids?
Certain risk factors contribute to frequent ear infections in children, according to medical research and literature.
Some ways you can help prevent ear infections include:
- Breastfeeding for at least the first year
- Feeding babies with their heads elevated
- Limiting exposure to secondhand smoke
- Staying away from sick children and adults
- Making a “no kissing” rule (this can spread viruses)
- Vaccinating your child against influenza
- Limiting pacifier use after six months of age
Taking these steps doesn’t guarantee your child will never have an ear infection, but it does reduce their risk.
Why Some Ear Infections Don’t Require Antibiotics
Since viruses can cause ear infections, they don’t always need antibiotic treatment. In fact, overuse of antibiotics can cause other problems down the road, like antibiotic resistance.
If your child has a bacterial infection, antibiotics can resolve their symptoms and cure the infection. When an ear infection stems from a virus, like influenza, antibiotics won’t do them any good.
Many pediatric ear infections get better after a few days. Your child might not need medical treatment. And while they have symptoms, you can often manage the discomfort at home.
How You Can Manage Ear Infection Pain at Home
Nobody wants to see their little one in pain. You may not need antibiotic treatment, but there are steps you can take to make your child more comfortable. You can help them manage the pain by:
- Encouraging them to get plenty of rest
- Giving over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
- Using a warm washcloth or heating pad over the ear
- Elevating their head on pillows to alleviate pressure
- Using a humidifier to moisturize the sinuses
Reach out to your children’s doctor before giving over-the-counter pain medication if your little one is under a year old.
What Not to Do: Treatments Medical Professionals Don’t Recommend
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation online surrounding home remedies for ear infections. Pediatric medical professionals warn against potentially damaging “treatments,” and you should avoid them at all costs.
Never do any of the following to treat an ear infection at home:
- Use essential oils in the ear
- Put drops in your child’s ear
- Use cotton swabs or other objects to clean their ear
- Get the inside of their ear wet
- Stop prescribed antibiotics early
These measures can do a lot more harm than good, especially if your child’s eardrum is under a lot of pressure. Adding drops or other substances to the ear can increase the pressure and lead to a perforated eardrum.
There’s little to no evidence behind most homeopathic remedies for ear infections. For example, using garlic oil or similar at-home treatments probably won’t do anything to help your child feel better.
When to Visit a Children’s Doctor for an Ear Infection
What do you do when your child’s ear infection isn’t getting better? These are key signs that it’s time for a doctor’s visit.
Symptoms Last for Over 72 Hours
When symptoms persist for more than three days, it’s time to see a children’s doctor for professional treatment. They may need antibiotics to clear up the infection and prevent it from getting worse.
Your Child Has Intolerable Ear Pain
Severe, prolonged ear pain can indicate a perforation (hole) in the eardrum. If your child’s pain level is intolerable and the pain doesn’t go away, they need to see a doctor. They can recommend the best treatments to encourage the eardrum to heal properly.
Infections Recur Several Times a Year
Recurring ear infections are a sign that your child may need long-term ear infection treatment. Professionals can place special tubes in their ears to relieve pressure and encourage proper drainage, which prevents future infections.
A good rule of thumb is that if your child gets four or more ear infections each year, they need further treatment. Your children’s doctor can refer you to a specialist for more input if needed.
See a Children’s Specialist at Newport Children’s Medical Group Today
At Newport Children’s Medical Group, we specialize in pediatric pulmonology and other services to help kids feel better. If you’ve noticed concerning respiratory symptoms in your child, which can often be tied to ear infections, it’s time for a visit.
We’re here to help your little one get relief. Schedule an appointment with us today!