How to treat a child's ear infection: Home and Pharmacy Remedies for Ear Aches

You notice your child pulls on their ear or they tell you their ear hurts. These are just a few signs your child has an ear ache. Ear infections are a common problem during childhood, especially in boys. To resolve the ear infection they will have to see the doctor, but there are a few remedies you can use at home to comfort your child and treat the ear pain until they can be seen.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tylenol
• Sweet Oil/Mineral Oil/Olive Oil
• Warm Heat Pack or Towel
• Similasan Ear Relief drops
• Ear Hurts
• A/B Ear Drops
• Trident

1. 

   The Pain-Tylenol
   Pulling at the ear, the tears, and just plain crankiness are signs your child is having discomfort. The best method to provide relief is to give the child Tylenol. Tylenol is one of the best pain medications and can used in infants and children. Ask your pharmacist for the appropriate dose.

2. 

   Sweet Oil
   Sweet Oil has many formulations including olive oil and mineral oil. It's commonly stocked in the special order section of your pharmacy. The secret behind sweet oil is that when warmed up and placed in the ear canal it provides temporary relief from ear pain. Many elder people swear by this remedy and can assure you this stuff sells when I place it on the shelf. Please make sure your child's ear drums are intact and does not have tubes.

3. Warm Moist Heat Pack or Towel
   You can place a warm heat pack or towel on the affected ear. The heat provides relief from ear pain. The issue is keeping your child still enough to get any benefit.

4. Similasan Ear Relief Drops
   Is a homeopathic ear drop that is found in the ear/eye care section of your pharmacy. Contains various herbals that have some property in relieving ear pain. Some patients have found success with it others have not. Maybe worth a try especially because of the placebo effect.

5. Ear Hurts
   Is a new product on the market developed by the makers of ear planes. Is a silicone mass that can be molded, much like ear plugs, that contains various homeopathic ingredients to help relieve ear pain. Do not know yet if there is any benefit to the product.

6. A/B drops
   When visiting your doctor or in desperate need of something proven to work ask your physician for A/B drops. This agent can be used to help numb the ear canal taking away your child's discomfort. These are great drops to have on hand for an emergency. Remember, you can have your physician call the prescription in.

7. 

   Home Remedy Prevention
   Gum, yes, Gum. Chewing gums containing xylitol have been shown to reduce ear infections in children. It is believed that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria which is the reason its found in most chewing gums promoting fresh breath and healthier teeth.
   
   Also, look into possible food allergies. Allergies have been associated with an increase in ear infections in children. So mom or dad be on the lookout for any possible triggers.

Tips & Warnings

• Please always consult your physician or pharmacist with any questions, concerns, or interactions and always before you try these remedies at home.

Resources

• Cold Treatment for Children
• Baby Immunizations
• Treating Diaper Rashes

[Ladybugblue]

on 3/4/2009 Great article with great writing skills! 5*