Child Ear Pain at Night – Causes and Remedies

There is no doubt that earaches are usually troublesome for everyone and, more so, for kids. In instances where a child wakes up at night owing to severe ear pain, parents can feel helpless about not only providing relief but also identifying the cause in the first place. However, there are ways that parents can help ease the pain and hold the fort till morning before they seek a doctor’s assistance. Most types child ear pain at night do not warrant antibiotics. Home-based remedies can bring considerable relief. In this article, we have covered the information on possible causes of ear pain and some useful tips on the same. Let’s read!

What Are the Possible Causes of Ear Pain in Children?

Some of the possible causes of toddler ear pain at night can be:

• Middle ear (area behind the eardrum) infection caused either by bacteria or viruses
• Swimmer’s ear which is an infection of the ear canal lining
• Common cold
• Pain from another body part like a sore throat, an infected tooth, or a tonsil infection
• Ear canal injury owing to a likely scrape from a fingernail or a cotton swab
• Ear canal abscess which is usually an infection that develops in the ear canal
• A blockage caused by a huge chunk of hard earwax
• Pierced ear infections
• Aeroplane ear when ear tubes get blocked due to a sudden rise in air pressure causing eardrums to stretch

How Can You Help Your Child Get Through the Night When He Has Ear Pain?

Some useful tips which may aid your kid to pass the night in case of ear pain can be:

• In case of ear pain at night, medicine can be a good option to bring some relief from the ear pain. You can offer your child an apt dose of any child-safe over-the-counter pain killer like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen.

• Home remedies include the use of a warm compress. You can use a clean, warm washcloth or a heating pad for this purpose. Apply it to your child’s ear to alleviate the pain and discomfort.

• Elevating the child’s head and keeping the sore ear side facing upward may bring respite from child ear pain at night.

• Provide plenty of fluids to your child or have him chew gum to support swallowing as it may unblock the Eustachian tube by draining excess fluid if it is present in the middle ear.

• Applying tea tree oil as ear drops for ear pain can also be considered. Tea tree oil has potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic qualities which may prove beneficial in relieving ear pain. Be sure to mix a few drops of olive oil with tea tree oil before applying it.

• At times ear pain can get triggered by some compression in the ear canal. Neck rotation exercises can significantly reduce the pressure and lessen the pain.

When to Call the Doctor?

Not all earaches need instant medical attention. However, you may want to call the doctor in the following cases:

• If your child accidentally lodged some toy or object in his ear earlier in the day
• If your child seems to have a stiff neck (unable to bend chin to touch the chest) and severe earache
• If you notice swelling, redness behind the ear or on the skin
• If your child is running a constant high fever
• If you see blood or pus draining from his ear
• If your child appears weak and very sick

FAQs

1. Does Ear Ache in Kids Go Away Its Own?

Typically, most ear infections resolve without the need for treatment. In cases where a child is not experiencing severe pain, doctors may advise a ‘wait-and-see’ strategy and use over-the-counter pain relievers to monitor if the infection resolves naturally.

2. How Long Does Earache Last in Children?

Ear infections, especially in children, are highly prevalent. It’s not always necessary to consult a doctor for an ear infection, as they frequently improve on their own within a span of three days.

Ear pain can give the entire household a sleepless night. It is important to note that an earache does not necessarily mean an infection. So, refrain from administering any antibiotics to your child unless recommended by your doctor.

References/Resources:

1. Ear Infections in Babies and Toddlers; hopkinsmedicine.org; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/ear-infections-in-babies-and-toddlers

2. How to Handle an Earache; kidshealth.org; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/earaches-sheet.html

3. MY TODDLER HAS EAR PAIN AND COULDN’T SLEEP AT NIGHT; narayanahealth.org; https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/my-toddler-has-ear-pain-and-couldnt-sleep-at-night/

4. Ear Pain in Children: What You Should Know; lifespan.org; https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/ear-pain-children-what-you-should-know

5. Earache (Ear Pain, Otalgia); my.clevelandclinic.org; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22710-ear-ache-ear-pain

6. Earache; healthdirect.gov.au; https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/earache

7. What Is the Best Treatment for an Ear Infection for Children?; scripps.org; https://www.scripps.org/news_items/6148-what-is-the-best-treatment-for-an-ear-infection-for-children

8. Ear Infections (Otitis Media); nationwidechildrens.org; https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/ear-infections-otitis-media

Also Read:

Ear Piercing for Kids
Ear Pain in Children
Sensitive Ears in Young Kids
Home Remedies for Ear Pain in Kids