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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, ear pain, 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. |
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Something to Chew On
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. Finally, if your child is old enough, chewing gum can help relieve pressure inside the ear. |
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Stop a Cold, Stop an Earache
Because many children's ear infections develop out of colds, you can help prevent future earaches by keeping germ traffic in your household to a minimum. That means lots of hand-washing for everybody, and no sharing of glasses, eating utensils or towels.
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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