Earache

Earache and ear pain is common, particularly in young children. It can be painful, but is not usually a sign of anything serious.

How long it lasts depends on what's causing it. Most earaches in children are caused by an ear infection, which usually start to improve after a few days.

A young child might have earache if they:

• Rub or pull their ear.
• Do not react to some sounds.
• Have a temperature of 38C or above.
• Are irritable or restless.
• Are off their food.
• Keep losing their balance.

Earache and ear pain can affect one or both ears.

Do

• Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 should not take aspirin).
• Place a warm or cold flannel on the ear.

Do not

• Put anything inside your ear, such as cotton buds.
• Try to remove earwax.
• Let water get inside your ear.

When should I seek medical advice?

• If you have earache for more than three days.

You or your child have earache and:

• Become generally unwell
• A very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
• Swelling around the ear
• Fluid coming from the ear
• Hearing loss or a change in hearing
• Something stuck in the ear
• Your child is under 2 and has earache in both ears