Earache can be caused by a number of mechanical and pressure-related problems, by a bacterial or viral infection resulting from a cold or sore throat, or by a buildup of ear wax. Earaches often start at night, and can be accompanied by fever. They can lead to severe infection and permanent ear damage and should always be investigated by a doctor.

Prevention

Research has shown that children who are breast fed experience fewer ear infections than children who are not.

Treatment

Dietary

Recurrent earaches can sometime be resolved by eliminating dairy products in place of cow’s milk.

Herbal

Essential oil of St. John’s Wort: 2 drops in each ear.

Homeopathy

To be taken every 15 minutes for up to 4 doses and repeat if necessary:

In the early stages of infection with sudden onset, feverish restlessness and painful sensitivity to noise: Aconite 6c. Throbbing and stitching pains, external ear is red and hot, children become wild-eyed and delirious: Belladonna 6c. Inconsolable and furious from the pain, cannot be soothed, pain worse from cold air and draughts: Chamomilla 6c.

Bach Flower Remedies

If a child is panicked and frightened: Rescue Remedy.

Hydrotherapy

For immediate pain relief hold a warm hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to the ear.

Acupressure

For earaches caused by sensitivity to cold, or change in air or water pressure, which are not infected:

Press firmly with 3 fingers on the area directly in front of the ears for 3 minutes. Place your middle fingers in the hollows behind the ear lobes; hold lightly for 2 minutes while breathing deeply. Apply firm pressure to the point between the inside of the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Hold for 1 minute each side.

Professional Help

Recurrent earaches may be resolved by cranial osteopathy, particularly when they started after an injury, bumps to the head or spine, which can affect the drainage of the ears.

Orthodox

Inflammation or infection in the ear canal itself can be very painful and your doctor will recommend cleaning and antibiotics. Eardrum tension or the presence of infected fluid behind it also requires pain relief and antibiotics.