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Ear Pain
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Ear pain (otalgia) is a common complaint from children. Among causes include infections of the middle ear ( a regular ear infection) or of the outer ear (swimmers ear). Pain in the ear can also be referred from the teeth, throat, and temperomandibular joint, and it is not uncommon for children with a sore throat to complain of ear pain, even when their ears are totally normal.
- Otitis media: middle ear infections usually follow an upper respiratory tract infection. Your child will probably have a runny nose and cough and perhaps a low grade fever for a few days and he then worsens with complaints of ear pain, irritability and fever. Younger children may just be irritable or they may be rubbing or pulling on ear that is infected and hurts. Middle ear infections usually require antibiotics to improve.
- Otitis media with perforation: It is not uncommon for the ear drum to burst during an ear infection, allowing pus to drain out of the ear. With the perforation, you may find that your child no longer has ear pain, since the pressure behind the ear drum has been relieved. Treatment requires an oral and/or topical antibiotic and you should see you doctor for an evaluation. There is usually no long term effects of the perforation and the hole usually closes as the tympanic membrane heals itself. Your doctor will probably do periodic examinations until the hole has closed.
- Otitis media with tubes in the ear: Like having an ear infection where the ear drum has burst, children with tubes have drainage out of their ear when they get a middle ear infection. Treatment requires a topical and/or oral antibiotic and you should see you doctor for an evaluation.
- Otitis externa: this is an infection of the outer ear and is also called swimmer's ear. Children with this condition have usually been swimming a lot recently or put their head under water when they take a bath. Water that gets trapped in the ear canal can cause irritation of the skin of the ear canal which can then get infected. Children will usually complain of itching and then severe pain in the affected ear, which may become swollen. The pain is usually made worse if you pull on the ear lobe. Treatment is with topical antibiotics ear drops that your physician can prescribe. Prevention is by OTC swim ear preparations or a dilute alcohol solution placed in the ear after swimming.
- Mastoiditis: This is a more serious infection in which the ear becomes red and tender, especially the area behind the ear. It also causes the ear to be sticking out at an angle. This is a serious infection that usually requires long term antibiotic treatment. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your child has mastoiditis.
- Other conditions that can cause ear pain in children include getting an insect bite to the outside part of the ear, or having a foreign object inside the ear, such as a rock or insect.
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