Childhood ear infections

 Childhood ear infections

Earaches come in all sorts of ways – during a cold, after exposure to a cold wind, or after going swimming are the most obvious. Think about how your child’s earache started, which side it is on ( or maybe it’s in both), and what other symptoms have come along at the same time. All of these factors will help you to choose a good remedy for your child.

A note of caution – earaches can be problematic in small children. If in doubt, take your child to the doctor for a check up, just to be on the safe side.

Aconite     - after being out on a cold and windy day, or being somewhere draughty. The external ear may be red, hot and a bit swollen and painful. The child will often be more restless at night.

Belladonna – hot red face, red ears and a fever. Symptoms are likely to come on very suddenly, and the right ear tends to be the most painful one. The pain is often throbbing and quite intense.

Chamomilla – wild with pain, irritable and wants to be carried everywhere. May have one red cheek. The child is likely to be worse at night.

Magnesia phosphorica – the earache is not connected to any coughs or colds, but possibly from exposure to a cold wind. The patient is chilly, and feels better for warmth and a warm hot water bottle for the ear. The pain is intermittent, and sharp.

Pulsatilla – The child is thirstless and clingy, hates being alone and wants attention. Symptoms are better in the open air, and the right ear is worst. Any mucus or discharge will be thick and yellow, and the ears feel bunged up.

Verbascum – the earache often comes with hoarseness and a deep cough or a cold. Mainly left sided pains, worse in the daytime. Ears are as if bunged up. May come on after getting water in the ears.