Ear infections are common in children.
Treatment is usually more focused on pain relief, which can be managed effectively at home in most cases.
It’s important to follow proper dosing guidelines based on the child’s weight and/or age.
dragana991 / Getty Images
Sleep Position
Certain sleep positions can help relieve pressure on the ear and reduce pain.
Try elevating the child’s head by stacking pillows.
TLC
Sometimes the best “medicine” is good old-fashioned tender loving care.
Help the child get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Find calm and relaxing activities the child enjoys such as curling up on the couch with a favorite movie.
All vaccines are important, but vaccines such as theflu vaccineandpneumococcal vaccineare especially recommended.
Breastfeeding for the first year or longer can help reduce the risk of ear infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an ear infection diagnosed?
How common are ear infections?
What if my child keeps getting ear infections?
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Ear infections in children.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Ear infections in children: Information for parents.
Seattle Children’s.Ear infection questions.
Cleveland Clinic.Home remedies for an ear infection: What to try and what to avoid.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infection basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chapter 17: Pneumococcal disease.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Ear infection information.
KidsHealth from Nemours.Ear tube surgery.
