Ear pain is common in children and can have many causes, it’s important to know the most common causes of ear pain in children so you can identify if this might be something more serious or if it’s just an irritation that should clear up on its own within a few days. For example, some types of pain are more common in young children than adults. Here are the five most common causes of ear pain in children you should watch out for.
Common Causes Of Ear Pain In Children
An infection
Ear infections are a common cause of ear pain in children. They can be caused by bacteria or viruses, and often occur when the child has a cold or allergies. Ear infections can be painful, and may cause the child to have fever, trouble sleeping, and difficulty hearing. If your child has an ear infection, they may need antibiotics to clear it up. You should also bring them to see their doctor so that they can determine if any other treatments are needed.
A build-up of fluid: A build-up of fluid is one possible reason for ear pain. For example, children who swim a lot may develop this problem if water gets into their ears too often. These fluids build up behind the eardrum and cause irritation that leads to ear pain.
Swimmer’s ear: Swimmer’s ear is another possibility for why your child might be experiencing this issue. It occurs when water gets trapped inside the outer part of the ear canal and becomes infected with bacteria that make inflammation worse and lead to problems such as itchiness, swelling, burning sensations, redness, or discharge from the ears.
A medical device
Ear pain is a common problem, especially in children. There are many possible causes, but the five most common are:
1) Otitis media, or an infection of the middle ear. This is the most common cause of ear pain in children.
2) swimmer’s ear, or an infection of the outer ear canal. This is more common in older children and teens who swim a lot.
3) an object stuck in the ear, such as a bead or piece of popcorn. This is more common in younger children.
4) barotrauma, or damage to the eardrum from changes in pressure. This can happen when flying on an airplane or going down a hill on a sled.
Mites
Ear mites are tiny creatures that live in the ear canal and feed on wax and skin oils. They’re most commonly found in cats, but can also be found in dogs, rabbits, and even humans. Though they’re not dangerous, they can cause severe irritation and itchiness in the ears. If you suspect your child has ear mites, take them to the doctor for a diagnosis.
To treat the symptoms of an infestation, put mineral oil or petroleum jelly into their ears once a day for two weeks. After this, remove all the gunk from inside the ear with a cotton swab and soak it in alcohol before putting it back in. Repeat this every few days until there’s no more dirt coming out. When treating ear mites, follow these steps: 1) Remove all the gunk from inside the ear with a cotton swab and soak it in alcohol before putting it back in. 2) Put mineral oil or petroleum jelly into their ears once a day for two weeks. 3) After this, repeat step one every few days until there’s no more dirt coming out.
Swimmers ear
* Ear pain that gets worse when you pull on your earlobe
* Itchy ears
* Red, swollen, or pus-filled ears
* Fluid draining from the ears * Sore throat
* Sinus infection
* Excessive nose blowing
* Severe allergies can be accompanied by a rash and a runny nose.
* Acute otitis media: is an inflammation of the middle ear.
The outer ear becomes red and tender and may have fluid drainage; there may also be fever and vomiting. Acute otitis media usually clears up without treatment but needs to be evaluated by a doctor. In rare cases, it can lead to serious complications such as mastoiditis (infection behind the eardrum) or peritonsillar abscess (swelling in the tissue near the tonsils).
* Recurrent acute otitis media: is defined as three episodes within six months or four episodes within 12 months.
Accidental injury
Many parents don’t realize that one of the most common causes of ear pain in children is accidental injury. This can happen when a child falls and hits their head, or when they are playing and accidentally hit their head on something hard.
Most often, this type of injury will cause a bruise or cut on the outside of the ear, which can be painful. If your child has any cuts or bruises on their ears, it’s important to watch for signs of infection and see a doctor if necessary. Infections can lead to long-term hearing loss. Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are very common in children between 6 months and 3 years old.
There are many things that can contribute to an ear infection: colds, allergies, flu viruses, other respiratory infections; having milk allergies; not breastfeeding enough; using antibiotics too often (which kills off healthy bacteria); lack of fluid intake; bottle propping with formula or breast milk feedings; nasal congestion from a cold or allergies; exposure to cigarette smoke.
