Symptom Definition
- Sudden onset of muffled hearing.
- Crackling or popping noises in the ear.
- A stuffy, full sensation in the ear.
- No ear pain.
- Unusual complaint until after age 4 or 5 years.
- Common causes: blockage of ear tube (eustachian tube) during nose allergies, a cold or airplane/mountain travel.
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- COLDS is also present.
- HAY FEVER is also present.
- EAR DISCHARGE or drainage is also present.
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) If
- You think your child needs to be seen.
- Earache.
- Possible foreign body in ear canal.
- Ear congestion lasts for more than 48 hours.
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns.
Parent Care at Home
- Ear congestion (probably from blocked eustachian tube) and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
Home Care Advice for Ear Congestion
- More Chewing and Swallowing: Have your child chew gum if over age 4. Swallow water while the nose is pinched closed.
- Decongestant Nasal Spray: If chewing doesn't help after 1 or 2 hours, use a long-acting decongestant nasal spray. You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand. Don't use more than 5 days.
- Antihistamines: If your child has hay fever or other allergies, give an antihistamine
- Expected Course: The symptoms usually clear within 2 days (48 hours) with treatment. It's safe for your child to swim.
- Prevention for Airplane/Mountain Travel
Swallow during descent using a pacifier or fluids.
Children older than age 4 can chew on gum during descent.
Yawning also can open the middle ear.
- Call Your Doctor If:
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Ear congestion lasts for more than 48 hours.
Ear pain occurs.
Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright © 2000. Barton D. Schmitt, MD, FAAP
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