Ear infections are bacterial or viral infections inside the ear that cause swelling and pain. Ear infections in children often start with a cold or other illness which can then lead to redness, pressure, and fluid build-up in your child’s middle ear (behind the eardrum). Ear infections can be very painful for your little one and sometimes cause fevers with temperatures up to 104 °F. While your pediatrician may prescribe antibiotics, they won't relieve ear pain for the first 24 hours. In the meantime, you may want to provide relief with an over-the-counter pain reliever like Children’s TYLENOL® or Infants’ TYLENOL®.
Infants’ TYLENOL® is indicated for little ones ages 2-3. Children’s TYLENOL® is indicated for kids ages 2-11. Consult your pediatrician regarding dosing questions for infants under the age of 2.
Pain, tenderness, pressure, or swelling inside ears
Fluid drainage from ears
Fever
Crying
Difficulty eating or sleeping
How to Relieve Ear Infection Pain in Infants
Warm Compress
Cover a warm heating pad with a towel and place over the infected ear. Or, try placing a warm, damp cloth over your baby’s infected ear
Pain Reliever
Acetaminophen pain relievers can help safely alleviate ear infection pain when used as directed. If your child is under two years of age, consult your pediatrician for dosing information.
Doctor’s Visit
Call your baby’s pediatrician if the ear infection lasts more than three days.
Choosing Infants’ TYLENOL
When it comes to reducing fever or relieving pain, TYLENOL® is the brand recommended most by pediatricians. Infants’ TYLENOL® works differently than other pain and fever medicines, and won’t upset little stomachs. Be sure to consult a pediatrician before giving your baby Infants’ TYLENOL®.
How soon can you use Infants’ TYLENOL®?
If you believe your baby has an ear infection, first contact their pediatrician and ask if it’s okay to give your little one Infants’ TYLENOL®. Taking Infants’ TYLENOL® before bedtime may help your child rest, as lying down can hurt their little ears.
When will your infant feel better?
After 24 hours, most infants who have taken a pain reliever will feel better. Even though ear infections can be tough on both moms and babies, most infections will clear up on their own within a few days. Just make sure to give your little one extra attention to help soothe their pain. Be sure to talk with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Tips to Help Avoid Infants’ Ear Infections
Help protect your little one from cold and flu viruses by always washing your hands and disinfecting the surfaces your baby touches.
Stay up to date on your baby’s shots and immunizations. Infant pneumonia and meningitis vaccines may lower the risk of ear infections. An annual flu vaccine may also help.
If bottle feeding your baby, try to lay the bottle flat. Propping up the bottle increases the risk of ear infections as milk can drip into the ear canal.
Keep your baby away from irritating pollutants like cigarette smoke, which can increase their risk of infection and fluid build-up in the ear.
Pain, tenderness, pressure, or swelling inside ears
Fluid drainage from ears
Fever
Difficulty hearing
Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
Crying
Difficulty eating or sleeping
How to Relieve Ear Infection Pain in Children
Antibiotics
Speak with your child’s pediatrician to see if a prescription antibiotic is necessary.
Ear Drops
Ask your pharmacist if ear drops can help soothe your little one’s pain.
Warm Compress
Cover a warm heating pad with a towel and place over the infected ear. Or, try placing a warm, damp cloth over your child’s infected ear.
Pain Reliever
Acetaminophen pain relievers can help safely alleviate ear infection pain when used as directed. If your child is under two years of age, be sure to consult their pediatrician first.
Doctor’s Visit
Call your child’s pediatrician if the ear infection lasts more than three days.
Choosing Children’s TYLENOL
When it comes to reducing fever or relieving pain in children, TYLENOL® is the brand recommended most by pediatricians. Children’s TYLENOL® works differently than other pain and fever medicines, and contains acetaminophen, which means it’s gentle on little stomachs. Children’s TYLENOL® also comes in a variety of kid-friendly flavors. If your child is under 2 years of age, be sure to ask their doctor first.
How soon can you use Children’s TYLENOL®?
You can give your little one an over-the-counter pain reliever — like Children's TYLENOL® — as soon as you know they have an ear infection. It's important to give the medicine before bedtime to help your child rest, as lying down can hurt their ears.
When will your child feel better?
After 24 hours, most kids who have taken a pain reliever will feel better. Even though ear infections can be tough on both moms and children, most infections will clear up on their own within a few days. Just make sure to give your little one extra attention to help soothe their pain.
Tips to Help Avoid Children’s Ear Infections
Protect your child from cold and flu viruses. Teach them to wash their hands regularly.
Stay up to date on your child's shots and immunizations. Pneumonia and meningitis vaccines may lower the risk of ear infections. An annual flu vaccine may also help.
Keep your child away from irritating pollutants like cigarette smoke, which can increase their risk of infection and fluid build-up in the ear.
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