Quick read
Key points
- 1
Earache is very common in young children and often relates to an ear infection, a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum, or sometimes referred pain from a sore throat or teething. In babies who can't describe pain, it may show up as tugging at the ear, increased crying, difficulty sleeping, or a mild fever.
- 2
Provide safe symptom relief while identifying persistent infection, hearing change, discharge, foreign body and complications.
- 3
Earache doesn't improve after 2-3 days
01 · Know
What is Earache?
Earache is very common in young children and often relates to an ear infection, a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum, or sometimes referred pain from a sore throat or teething. In babies who can't describe pain, it may show up as tugging at the ear, increased crying, difficulty sleeping, or a mild fever.
Most ear infections in children are caused by viruses and clear up on their own within a few days, though some are caused by bacteria and may need antibiotics if they don't improve.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Many ear infections improve without antibiotics
Most childhood ear infections are viral and improve on their own within 2-3 days — many doctors recommend a short period of watchful waiting with pain relief before considering antibiotics.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1Earache doesn't improve after 2-3 days
- 2You notice discharge or fluid coming from the ear
- 3Your child has a high fever alongside the earache
- 4Your child is under 6 months old and has any signs of ear pain
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Never Put Anything Down Your Child's Ear
Avoid cotton buds or any object inside the ear canal — this can push wax further in or damage the eardrum.
- 1Give appropriate pain relief.Paracetamol or ibuprofen, following package instructions for your child's age and weight, can ease pain and discomfort.
- 2Apply a warm compress.A warm (not hot) flannel held gently against the outer ear can be soothing.
- 3Keep your child upright during feeds.For babies, this can sometimes ease pressure in the ear.
- 4Watch for improvement over 2-3 days.Most ear infections start to improve on their own within this time.
- 5Seek review if things aren't improving.A doctor can check for signs that antibiotics might be needed.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- NHS: Earache ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Earache is common in childhood and most cases improve on their own within a few days with simple pain relief.
Discharge from the ear, or an earache that isn't improving after a few days, is worth a doctor's review.