Ear pain is a common complaint in children and can have various causes — from minor issues to infections that need medical treatment. As a parent, it’s important to understand what might cause ear pain, how to provide relief at home, and when to seek medical attention. Let’s break down the essentials so you can help your child feel better quickly.

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What Are Common Causes of Ear Pain in Children?

✅ Middle ear infections (otitis media) — The most common cause, often following a cold or throat infection.

✅ Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) — An outer ear canal infection due to trapped water and bacteria.

✅ Earwax buildup — Hardened wax can press against the ear canal, causing pain.

✅ Sinus infections — Pressure changes can cause referred ear pain.

✅ Dental issues — Sometimes tooth infections or jaw problems cause pain that feels like it’s in the ear.

✅ Foreign object — Small toys, beads, or food lodged in the ear canal can lead to discomfort.

If ear pain is persistent or severe, consult the best pediatric doctor in Delhi for a thorough checkup.

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Symptoms That May Accompany Ear Pain

???? Fever

???? Trouble hearing

???? Fluid discharge from the ear

???? Tugging or pulling at the ear

???? Trouble sleeping

???? Irritability or crying

???? Loss of balance

If your child has these symptoms, especially with high fever or discharge, visit a private hospital in New Delhi for proper evaluation.

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When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

???? Severe ear pain that doesn’t improve within a few hours

???? High fever (above 102°F / 38.9°C)

???? Pus or blood draining from the ear

???? Swelling behind the ear or the ear sticking out abnormally

???? Dizziness or weakness

???? Sudden hearing loss

These could indicate a serious infection or condition needing urgent care from the best general physician in New Delhi or an ENT specialist.

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How to Soothe Ear Pain at Home

✅ Apply a warm compress — Place a warm (not hot) cloth on the ear for 10-15 minutes.

✅ Keep your child upright — This can reduce pressure in the ear.

✅ Offer age-appropriate pain relief — Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease pain and fever (as per your doctor’s advice).

✅ Encourage fluids — Swallowing helps open the Eustachian tube and relieve pressure.

⚠ Avoid putting drops or oils into the ear unless prescribed — This can make things worse, especially if there’s a perforated eardrum.

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How Will a Doctor Diagnose Ear Pain?

???? A detailed history about when the pain started and any related symptoms

???? Physical examination, including checking the ear canal and eardrum with an otoscope

???? Hearing tests, if needed

???? Tests for associated infections (throat swab, sinus imaging, etc.)

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Treatment Options

???? Antibiotics — For bacterial ear infections

???? Ear drops — For swimmer’s ear or to soften wax (if prescribed)

???? Drainage procedure — In cases of abscess or persistent fluid buildup

???? Referral for ear tube placement — For recurrent ear infections

Prompt care from the best pediatric doctor in Delhi helps prevent complications.

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Preventing Ear Pain

✅ Keep ears dry — Use earplugs or a swim cap during swimming.

✅ Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke — It increases the risk of ear infections.

✅ Maintain good hand hygiene — Prevents colds that can lead to ear infections.

✅ Keep up with vaccinations — The pneumococcal and flu vaccines help prevent some causes of ear infections.

✅ Don’t use cotton swabs inside the ear canal — This can push wax deeper or damage the ear.

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Final Thoughts

Ear pain in children can be distressing, but with the right care and timely medical advice, most cases resolve quickly. Always trust your instincts — if your child’s pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit the best pediatric doctor in Delhi or best general physician in New Delhi at a trusted private hospital in New Delhi.