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Earache in Children
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Earaches caused by ear infections will occur in three out of four children by the age of three. These infections occur when mucus blocks the passages in the ears called eustachian tubes. This happens frequently in children because their eustachian tubes are shorter, so they become more easily blocked. Signs your child may have an earache include: fever, tugging at the ear, increased irritability and crying and difficulty hearing. Many ear infections clear up within two or three days. You should talk to your pediatrician if the condition persists longer.
Treatment
Heat Relief
Soothe your child's achy ear by placing a warm (but not hot) heating pad on the ear. Over-the-counter eardrops (available at most drugstores) can also help relieve earache pain.
Tips
Feeding Tips for Baby's Ears: Listen Up
Breastfeeding has been shown to significantly increase a child's resistance to ear infections. If you're bottle feeding, you should cradle your child at a 45-degree angle. And never put your child to sleep with a bottle . These measures help minimize the risk of ear infection by preventing fluid from entering the eustachian tubes.

Now Hear This
Secondhand smoke is the cause of millions of ear infections in children every year. It can also make them more frequent and severe. While permanent hearing loss due to an ear infection is rare, your child's chances increase with the number of ear infections. You already have so many reasons to quit smoking. Here's one more.
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