How to Handle Your Child's Earache at Home and When to See Our Urgent Care Team

Earaches are one of the most common health issues in children. By the time kids turn 3, five out of every six will have had an earache. 

That information might ease your mind a little, but it doesn’t do anything to ease your child’s ear pain. Fortunately, some at-home care can. 

And when home remedies aren’t enough, our urgent care team is here to help. Our pediatric care specialists treat earaches all the time.

Visit us at either of our SmartClinic Urgent Care clinics — in West Covina or Santa Clarita, California — and we can find out what’s behind your child’s ear pain. That way, we can prescribe the right course of treatment to heal their ear and stop their discomfort.

Unless your child is experiencing intense pain or is exhibiting symptoms that they need care right away, you can try at-home care for a few days to see if the ear improves on its own.  

Treating your child’s earache at home

The best way to ease your child’s pain is to give them a child-safe pain reliever. If you’ve already discussed using an option like acetaminophen (like TYLENOL®) or ibuprofen (like MOTRIN® or Advil®) with your doctor, give them an appropriate dose.

It’s important to choose one medication and stick with it — never give your child two or more at the same time. 

A warm compress can also help to soothe the ear. Soak a small towel in warm water, wring it out, and gently press it to your child’s ear. 

Encourage your child to swallow, as doing so can help clear a blocked eustachian tube. A big gulp of their favorite drink might clear up the issue. 

While they’re resting, see if they’re more comfortable with their head elevated. If so, add extra pillows to their bed so they can sleep propped up. 

As you’re treating the ear at home, don’t put any drops in your child’s ear unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Don’t insert anything — including a cotton swab — into their ear, either. 

Signs that it’s time to visit urgent care

Observe your child for two or three days. If their symptoms don’t improve during that time, visit SmartClinic Urgent Care. Most earaches in kids are caused by infections, and we can prescribe the right antibiotics to clear up the issue.

However, don’t wait to make an appointment with us if they’re inconsolable because their ear hurts so badly. Also, make an appointment today if:

• Your child has a fever
• The ear looks swollen, red, or like it’s sticking out more than normal
• You see pus in the ear
• Your child vomits
• Your child has a headache or neck pain

All of these indicate that we should start treatment right away. You can see us as soon as possible by simply walking into either of our SmartClinic Urgent Care clinics or calling the clinic nearest you to schedule your visit.