6-year-old complaining of an earache?

Question

She has never had an earache before and is not running a fever. Is it safe to give her some children's tylenol and maybe otc drops and wait it out? I have read that they typically don't last longer than a few days.

Also, in the meantime, are there precautions I need to take like no swimming or over activity?

Answer 1

yes you can try the otc drops that they have and try to avoid getting water in the ears so when she is in the bath or shower have her be careful

Answer 2

My own 5.5 year old was complaining of an earache with no fever. Turned out it was her 6-year molars coming in. Check your daughter's gums to see if that's it.

Sucking on ice (not chewing it) can help reduce swelling, and a little Ibuprofen is okay before bed if it hurts too bad to sleep.

Answer 3

When i had ear-aches, my dad would (gently) warm up a little olive oil, and then drip is slowly into my ear, after making sure it wasnt *too* hot.  It felt so good and was so comforting.

Answer 4

Just because she isn't running a fever doesn't mean she doesn't have an ear infection.  You should take her to the doctor to get it looked at.  In the mean time don't get water into the ear it will only aggravate it more.  SO no swimming and only baths.  Good Luck!

Answer 5

tylenol and waiting it out for a few days is typically what my pediatrician's office recommends (though of course you can ask yours).  most ear infections are viral and antibiotics won't help with them anyway.

if it's still bothering in her in a few days it could be bacterial, in which case she may need antibiotics, so definitely get her seen if it continues to be a problem or if there are other symptoms you're worried about.