Ear pain is one of the most common complaints that parents report to their pediatrician. It can be caused by a variety of factors, and its intensity and nature can vary greatly. Early recognition of the cause of ear pain is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of complications.
Anatomy of the ear and its role
To understand the causes of ear pain, it is worth briefly reviewing the structure of this organ. The ear is divided into three parts:
- Outer ear: consists of the auricle and the external auditory canal. Its function is to receive sounds and direct them to the middle ear.
- Middle ear: is an air-filled cavity that houses the ossicles of the ear. The middle ear is connected to the throat via the auditory trumpet, which is responsible for equalizing pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
- Inner ear: contains the organs responsible for hearing and balance.
The most common causes of earache in children
- Acute otitis media:
- This is the most common cause of earache in children.
- It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Symptoms: intense ear pain, fever, irritability, sleep problems, decreased appetite, sometimes ear discharge.
- Causes: upper respiratory infections, allergies, enlarged tonsils, obstruction of the auditory trumpet.
- Otitis externa:
- Often referred to as “swimmer’s ear inflammation.”
- Caused by bacteria or fungi.
- Symptoms: ear pain aggravated by pulling on the auricle, itching, redness, swelling of the external auditory canal, sometimes discharge from the ear.
- Causes: prolonged exposure to water, scratching of the ear, damage to the skin of the ear canal.
- Wax buildup:
- Excessive production or insufficient removal of earwax can lead to ear canal blockage and ear pain.
- Symptoms: feeling of ear congestion, tinnitus, sometimes slight hearing impairment.
- Foreign body in the ear:
- Children often put various objects in their ears, which can lead to pain and irritation.
- Ear injuries:
- Strokes, burns or other trauma to the ear can cause pain and damage to ear structures.
- Teething:
- In infants, ear pain can be related to teething, especially if there is an infection during teething.
- Dental and sinus diseases:
- Tooth or sinusitis can radiate to the ear and cause pain.
When to see a doctor?
If a child develops ear pain, consult a doctor, especially if:
- The pain is intense and persists for a long time.
- Fever, vomiting or neck stiffness appears.
- A purulent discharge is coming out of the ear.
- The child has problems with sleep or appetite.
- You observe other worrisome symptoms.
Diagnostics
During the examination, the doctor will assess the condition of the outer and inner ear, perform an otoscopy (examination of the ear with an otoscope) and take a detailed history of the child’s complaints. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary, such as:
- Bacteriological examination of ear discharge: allows to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.
- Audiometric test: evaluates hearing acuity.
- CT scan or MRI: if more serious conditions are suspected.
Treatment
Treatment of ear pain depends on the cause. It may include:
- Drug treatment: antibiotics in case of bacterial infection, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, ear drops.
- Ear wax removal: if lingering ear wax is the cause of pain.
- Removing a foreign body: if the child has put an object in the ear.
- Surgery: for complications or chronic infections.
Prevention
To prevent earache in your child, it is worthwhile:
- Clean ears regularly: gently remove excess ear wax.
- Protect ears from water: use earplugs when bathing.
- Treat upper respiratory tract infections: prompt diagnosis and treatment of a cold can prevent the infection from spreading to the ear.
- Avoid scratching the ear: this can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
Remember that ear pain in a child should not be underestimated. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to your child’s quick recovery.
Note:
This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for visiting a doctor. If you have any doubts about your child’s health, consult a specialist.
