How to Relieve Your Child’s Ear Pain After Fever: Immediate Steps to Prevent Ear Infections and What to Do if There’s Ear Discharge

Severe Ear pain

If your child is experiencing ear pain following a fever or cough, particularly at night, it can be worrying—especially when you're unable to access an ENT specialist right away. The pain is often caused by fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting from a blockage in the Eustachian tube. This pressure can cause the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to bulge, leading to intense pain. However, many parents mistakenly think it’s simply earwax or redness, only to discover later that the pain is more serious and may require medical intervention.

Why Does Fever Cause Ear Pain in Children?

When your child has a fever, a cold, or a respiratory infection, their Eustachian tubes can become blocked due to swelling or congestion. This leads to fluid accumulating behind the eardrum, which can cause pain and, if untreated, lead to an ear infection called acute otitis media (AOM). In some cases, the infection can cause the eardrum to rupture, releasing the pressure and potentially discharging fluid from the ear.

Immediate Steps to Relieve Ear Pain and Prevent Infection

If your child is experiencing ear pain and you suspect it’s related to congestion or a possible ear infection, here are a few steps you can take at home:

1. Nasal Decongestion with Saline Drops or Spray

To help clear the Eustachian tube and reduce fluid buildup in the ear, use saline nasal drops or spray to relieve congestion. This can help your child breathe more easily and promote drainage from the middle ear.

2. Steam Inhalation

A warm steam bath or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help loosen mucus and ease congestion. Place a towel over your child’s head while they sit near the steam (but not too close) to avoid burns. This also helps relieve any nasal blockage that could be contributing to ear pressure.

3. Use a Warm Compress

Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can soothe pain and reduce inflammation. A damp, warm cloth held against the ear for 10-15 minutes may help ease discomfort.

4. Pain Relief

Administer pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) according to your child’s age and weight to reduce pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow the correct dosage instructions.

5. Antibiotics (If Needed)

If the ear pain is due to a bacterial infection, your child’s doctor may prescribe antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not necessary for all ear infections—many are viral and will resolve on their own with supportive care.

6. Elevate the Head While Sleeping

If your child is in pain, try elevating their head during sleep. This can help reduce the pressure in the ear and may provide some relief.

What If You Notice Ear Discharge?

If you see fluid or pus draining from your child’s ear, this could indicate otitis externa (outer ear infection) or a ruptured eardrum (perforated tympanic membrane). Don’t panic. If the eardrum has ruptured, it’s actually a natural way for the pressure to be released, and the ear will usually heal on its own. However, it’s essential to consult a doctor the next day to ensure there’s no underlying infection that requires treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While ear pain and even ear discharge can often be managed at home, there are times when you should seek medical care:

• If the ear pain or discharge persists for more than a few days.

• If your child develops a high fever (over 102°F or 38.9°C) that doesn’t go down with medication.

• If there’s significant fluid draining from the ear.

• If your child experiences severe pain, loss of hearing, or difficulty balancing

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  Conclusion

  While it can be alarming to see your child suffer from ear pain after a fever or cough, understanding what’s happening can help you take the right steps to relieve their discomfort. Nasal decongestion, steam inhalation, and pain relief can all make a significant difference in managing ear pressure and preventing further infection. However, if your child experiences ear discharge or if the symptoms don’t improve, don’t hesitate to consult with a doctor. Rest assured that even if the eardrum ruptures, it typically heals on its own, but it’s always a good idea to have a professional evaluation to ensure everything is healing properly.

  By staying calm and following these basic treatments, you can help your child recover faster and avoid complications.

Author : Dr Salison Salim Panicker, ENT surgeon , Relentcare ENT centre, Kolazhy, Thrissur