When you notice your child tugging on their ear, or they start to complain of ear discomfort, it’s natural to want to try anything to help them. Unfortunately, many at-home methods can do more harm than good. Let’s look at a few dos and don’ts of at-home ear health management to help you find the best path forward.
Do Use Warm and Cold Compresses
Alternating warm and cold compresses will help ease inflammation in your child’s ear. Make a warm compress by microwaving a damp rag in 15-second intervals. Have your child hold the rag over their affected ear until it cools, then switch to a cold compress. You can use a bag of peas, a gel pack or a frozen rag for a cold compress. You may need to wrap the compress in a towel or plastic wrap to prevent a cold burn.
Don’t Use Cotton Swabs
If your child has ear pain, fullness or itchiness, you might be inclined to use cotton swabs to clean out the ears. Unfortunately, cotton swabs can cause wax blockages and even puncture the eardrum.
Do Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease their discomfort. Always follow the recommended dosage on the product’s package. You can grab children’s pain relievers at most Atlanta pharmacies or drug stores.
Don’t Put Essential Oils in the Ear
You should never use essential oils or other non-ear-specific products in the ears unless directed by your child’s ENT specialist. Many essential oils aren’t properly diluted or aren’t safe to use on or in the body. Contact your child’s ENT specialist before using any essential oil or other home remedy product to ensure it is safe to use.
Do Elevate the Head
Elevating your child’s head will help reduce pressure and pain in your their ear and drain fluid if they have an ear infection. Stack a few extra pillows on their bed or the couch to encourage them to keep their head elevated.
Do Seek ENT Help
If your child’s ear pain is severe, accompanied by blood or fluid drainage or lasts more than a few days, contact ENT of Georgia North to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.
