There’s nothing quite so miserable as a child with an earache. The worst is when the ache starts in the middle of the night; both you and your child are in for a sleepless night unless you can get the pain under control. If the pain is severe, you can take your child to a facility like Emergency Care Dynamics for help; however, you might want to try one of the following home remedies first.
Warm Rice Pack
A homemade rice pack provides comforting relief for pained ears. Pour one cup of uncooked rice into a clean adult sock and tie it shut. Microwave the sock until warm. Rest the warmed rice pack on the outside of your child’s ear. Leave it in place for about 10 minutes. Repeat the treatment later in the day if needed.
Onion Juice
Because onions have antiseptic properties, they can be an effective remedy for aching ears. The best way to get these benefits is by dropping a tiny bit of onion juice in the hurting ear. To obtain onion juice, first, grate an onion into a container. Spoon out some of the juice. Place two or three drops in the sore ear. Repeat this treatment after several hours.
Olive Oil
If you have olive oil in your kitchen cabinet, you can use it to treat your child’s earache. Olive oil can help clear up an infection and also soothe the pain in the process. To use olive oil for ear treatment, first warm it slightly. With a medicine dropper, drip one to four drops of oil in the affected ear.
Hydrogen Peroxide
It gives ears a funny bubbling feeling, but hydrogen peroxide can help with the pain of an earache. It’s particularly useful when the pain is related to an infection. Place three drops of hydrogen peroxide in the pained ear. Have your child lie on their side to leave the peroxide in place for up to ten minutes. Then, tilt their head the opposite way so the fluid drains out.
Elevated Mattress
Lifting the head of your child’s bed can help reduce pressure in the ears. Fluid can drain instead of accumulating in the ear canal. Angling the bed is more comfortable than using pillows to elevate just your child’s head, and it may also position your child more effectively.
Many earaches can be relieved with these comforting home remedies. However, if the condition does not improve or the pain is excruciating, take your child to an emergency care facility. With home remedies or a doctor’s care, your child’s ears will soon be free of pain.
