Earache in children

introduction

Earache is a common problem in children. About three quarters of the little ones get it at least once in the course of their first years of life.

The causes of earache in childhood can be of various types. Most often the disease is harmless, but there are warning signs that parents and caregivers should be aware of.

Although there are simple home remedies for treating the child, the visit to the doctor should not be delayed if there is no improvement or the symptoms worsen. Serious illnesses that pose a risk to the child's hearing must be ruled out by the pediatrician or, in individual cases, by the ear, nose and throat specialist.

Antibiotics do not always have to be prescribed, and in most cases a well-tolerated and age-appropriate symptomatic treatment is sufficient.

causes

Earache in child usually occur in connection with a cold on. The so-called Eustachian tube provides the Connection between the middle ear and the oral cavity and serves to equalize the pressure. At Colds can the Mucous membrane in the area of ​​the exit of this Swell tube and you embarrassedwhereby a Pressure equalization difficult will and Earache arise.

Another common cause of childhood earache is that acute or chronic otitis media, the so-called Otitis media. This, sometimes very painful disease, is caused by bacteria and Viruses triggered and can also arise as part of a cold.
In the bacterial otitis media colonization of the middle ear occurs mostly continuously via the Eustachian tube, whereas the infection in the viral Otitis media usually about the blood takes place.

Both forms result in inflammation of the sensitive middle ear mucosa, which is strong, pulsating Earache, fever, Ringing in the ears and one Hearing loss goes hand in hand.

A disease that im Connection with otitis media can occur is the Inflammation of the mastoid process, the Processus mastoideus. This serves as the bony attachment of the neck muscles behind the ear. This bony process on the skull contains to varying degrees air-filled cavities and communicates with the middle ear.
Inflammation of the mastoid process, too Mastoiditis called, expresses itself in a renewed increase in pain as the otitis media resolves.
Furthermore occurs a Pressure sensitivity and one swollen Redness behind the ear.
Because of the possible complications of a Mastoiditis This cause of earache in children is one of those that need special attention.

Also the outer ear canal can become inflamed and cause pain. This disease, in medical terminology External otitis called, can be the consequence of one Earwax plug, one Manipulation with pointed or sharp objects in the ear canal or a bacterial colonization of the skin of the external ear canal. As the most common bacterial pathogen the External otitis apply the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococci. While staphylococci are used to normal skin flora belong to humans and can penetrate the skin via the smallest injuries and cause inflammation Pseudomonads Wet germs, which are mainly found in wet areas such as swimming pools.

The causes of ear pain in children do not always have to be a disease of the ear itself. At teething children can Teething pain also in that ear on the affected side radiate. The same goes for one Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis). '

Also one Parotid gland inflammation can cause pain that the child can feel in the ear.

In the case of children, the possibility must never be disregarded that they were introduced in an unobserved moment Foreign body in the ear or the ear canal with imported objects was injured. The latter can also be used for Perforation of the eardrum to lead.

Of a Barotrauma one speaks when strong pressure fluctuations lead to a tear in the eardrum. Since this is also part of a Hit the ear if they occur, they can be a sign of domestic violence.

Earache in children when flying

A malfunction of the Eustachian tube can to Earache at the Takeoff or landing as part of a Guide air travel. Due to the changing pressure in the cabin it happens insufficient pressure equalization to partly severe earache. Especially children are prone to this.
The To chew bubble gum or Sucking candy can help that Eustachian tube to stretch and thus to equalize the pressure.

Ear pain in children after swimming

As a bacterial pathogen the External otitis apply among other things to the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These are wet germs that usually settle on the softened skin of the ear canal after visiting a swimming pool or after bathing and can cause an infection. In children, the infection also occurs Pseudomonas aeruginosa a common form of External otitis and is therefore occasionally called "swimming pool otitis" or "swimmers ear" and is usually expressed in addition to the Pain existing blue-greenish discharge from the affected ear.

Symptoms

Whether to have a child Earache is not always easy to determine. A precise one helps especially with small children and babies Observation of behaviorsto understand the nature of the pain. Is the child tearful, does it turn the affected side away from the examining parent or does it even rub the painful area? Older children can usually provide information about their symptoms, but it should be noted that earache can occur at many points in the hearing organ and the child usually does not describe the pain in detail.

Besides the auricle can for example the outer ear canal or that Inner ear to be affected. Sore throat can radiate into the ear and also Teething problems occasionally cause earache.

The quality of the pain is helpful. Is it a sharp pain or one burning, the ear itches or is that Position-dependent pain. Depending on the cause, ear pain can be associated with impaired hearing. The child should be asked if there is one Feeling like cotton wool in your ear Has.

Parents should pay attention to whether the inspection of the affected Ear discharge becomes visible from the ear canal. Also a unpleasant smell can occur in the context of some diseases. Occasionally, an earache can occur from dizziness, nausea and Vomit be accompanied. The Fever measurement belongs to the standard repertoire when examining the child at home, since many diseases are associated with an increase in body temperature.

therapy

The Earache therapy with the child depends on the underlying disease. Home remedies can often help to alleviate the symptoms and the use of painkillers or medication is by no means in every case Antibiotics necessary.

A physical examination should, however, be carried out before any self-therapy in order to exclude permanent damage to the child's hearing.

In the Tube ventilation disorder, the cold-related occlusion of the Eustachian tube, using a treatment of the common cold helps Decongestant nasal sprays. The ventilation and thus the pressure equalization can easily be restored and symptoms can be alleviated. Decongestant nasal sprays also help with the Otitis media.

Anti-inflammatory and pain reliever drugs such as Paracetamol can complement the therapy. Usually it heals Otitis media by itself after a few days, so that a check-up by a doctor can be justified after approx. 2-3 days. If there was no significant improvement at the check-up appointment or if the pain reappeared over time, you should Antibiotics given to prevent complications.
Amoxicillin is here too Children the means of choice. If there is a penicillin allergy, azithromycin or clarithromycin are indicated.

In the Inflammation of the external ear canal, of the External otitis, antibiotics should not be avoided in order to avoid infestation of the auricle and the surrounding skin (auricular eczema). After thorough cleaning of the ear canal, most of the time ear drops containing antibiotics administered. However, the use of ear drops is prohibited if the eardrum is damaged.
Systemic antibiotics are only necessary in rare, particularly severe cases.

Read more on the topic: What to do if you have an earache

Earache in children at night

Watch that Child at night up and yell or complain about Earache, sleep is usually out of the question. However, an immediate presentation to the pediatrician that same night is often not necessary. The initiation of pain reliever medication can help alleviate the discomfort for the duration of the night. Here offer themselves Ibuprofen or Paracetamol as a juice on. The idea at Pediatrician can then be done the next morning.

Treatment with home remedies for earache in children

Home remedies can help shorten the course of illnesses such as otitis media. A tried and tested method has long been to put on an onion bag. For this purpose, onions are chopped up, poured with hot water, wrapped warm in a cotton bag (e.g. tea towel) and placed on the affected ear. The essential oils from the onions have an antibacterial effect and the heat promotes the healing process. A heat treatment in the form of an infrared lamp or a cherry stone bag can also have a supportive effect. The chamomile tea steam bath is also said to have an antibacterial and therefore healing effect.

Read more on the topic: Home remedies for earache

Globules for earache in children

For the treatment of earache the homeopathy various preparations that promise relief. Aconitum napellus (Blue monkshood), Belladonna (Deadly nightshade), Chamomilee and Pulsatilla pratensis (Meadow pasque flower) are often used in homeopathic dilution.

It should be noted that the blue monkshood and at the Deadly nightshade around highly toxic plants and their active ingredients must never be used undiluted. Anyone who prefers naturopathic or homeopathic procedures should therefore consult a doctor who is knowledgeable in these areas. When complications or an unusual occurrence long or severe course urgently need one conventional medical clarification and treatment.

When should the child see a doctor?

Basically should Earache in child always medically clarifiedt be equal to causes requiring treatment im Initial stage to discover and, if necessary, to treat. In some cases, it is only through timely action Avoid late damage. The reliable differentiation of harmless and serious causes of earache in children is often not easily possible for the medical layperson and usually requires aids such as the ear microscope.

The earache is a well known and manageable problem doctor yet consulted If the child is under three months of age and has a fever, the symptoms do not subside significantly after 48 hours at the latest, or a further increase in pain and a reduction in general condition occur.