Does Your Little One Have An Ear Infection? 4 Tips To Help Alleviate The Discomfort

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Ear infections can be miserable, especially in small children. If your child has an ear infection, you want to everything you can to help them feel better. The first thing you should do is take them to see their pediatrician. In addition to the treatment their healthcare service will prescribe, here are four tips that will help your child feel better.

Turn on the Humidifier

If your child's ear infection was caused by a cold or nasal congestion, you can alleviate the pressure and provide some pain relief by turning on the humidifier. Place the humidifier in your child's room and have them rest while the moisture relieves the inflammation in their sinuses and ears.

Apply Compresses

Compresses can help ease the discomfort associated with ear infections. Depending on your child's preferences, use either cold or warm compresses. Soak a wash cloth in warm or cold water. Wring out the excess moisture and then place the compress directly over your child's outer ear. Leave the compress in place for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat the process as often as necessary.

Prop Them Up

While your child is suffering from an ear infection, it's important for them to get rest. Encourage them to rest in a semi-upright position, instead of lying in a flat position. Lying down flat will allow fluids to build up pressure inside the ear canal, which will cause increased pain. Having your child rest while propped up will allow the fluid to drain, which will reduce the amount of pain your child is experiencing.

Seek Medical Attention

Ear infections will usually go away on their own. However, some infections can take a turn for the worse, especially when they develop into a ruptured ear drum. It's important that you know the warning signs to look for. If your child develops any of the symptoms described below, you should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

  • Increased pain in the affected ear
  • Earache pain that suddenly goes away
  • Rapid onset fever
  • Pus or bloody discharge from ear
  • Hearing loss

If your child has an ear infection, you should have them checked out by their healthcare practitioner at a pediatric services center. In most cases, the infection will clear up on its own. The tips provided above will help keep them comfortable while they recover from the infection. If your child's symptoms get worse, or they develop any of the symptoms described above, you should seek medical care immediately. 


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