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KidsCare Online

Earache (Ear Pain)

TEMPORARY CARE - Until you have talked with Your Doctor

Reassurance: Your child may have an ear infection, but it doesn't sound serious. The only way to be sure is to have the eardrum examined. Diagnosis and treatment can safely wait until morning if the earache begins after 5 pm. Your nearest KidsCare clinic is also available for after-hours evaluation.
Pain Medicine:
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief or for fever above 102°F (39°C).
- See dosage chart.
- Ask your pharmacist to recommend a pediatric brand containing either of these ingredients.
Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or a cold wet washcloth to the outer ear for 20 minutes to reduce pain while the pain medicine takes effect. (Note: Some children prefer local heat for 20 minutes.)
Avoid Earplugs: If pus or cloudy fluid is draining from the ear canal, the eardrum has ruptured from an ear infection. Wipe the pus away as it appears. Avoid plugging with cotton (Reason: Retained pus causes irritation or infection of the ear canal).
Eardrops: Prescription eardrops or olive oil drops aren't safe if your child has ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum. Therefore don't use eardrops unless your doctor recommends them.
Contagiousness: Ear infections are not contagious.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.