Every parent knows it: your child has a cold, sniffles, coughs and suddenly he or she also starts complaining of ear pain. Colds and ear problems often go hand in hand in children. It can start with a simple runny nose, but end in an ear infection that causes sleepless nights. How does this actually happen? And what can you do as a parent to help your child?
Why do children get ear problems faster with colds?
Children are more susceptible to ear problems during a cold than adults. This is due to the Eustachian tube – the small canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx.
In children, this tube:
- Shorter and narrower than in adults
- Placed horizontally, making moisture less easily run off
Consequence: mucus and fluid get stuck behind the eardrum more quickly, and bacteria have a chance to multiply. This is how an ear infection develops.
The most common ear problems associated with colds
1. Ear pain due to congestion
Even without inflammation, a child may experience congestion or pain in the ear. This is because the tube is plugged and the pressure cannot be regulated properly.
2. Middle ear infection (otitis media).
This is the classic: sudden ear pain, sometimes a fever, and a child crying a lot or sleeping badly. With a middle ear infection, fluid accumulates behind the eardrum and an infection can develop.
3. Impaired or dull hearing
When fluid remains in the middle ear (sometimes for weeks after a cold), hearing may be temporarily impaired. This is also called
4. Eardrum rupturing
During a severe middle ear infection, the eardrum can spontaneously rupture, causing fluid or pus to come out. This sounds scary, but often the pain actually subsides afterwards and the eardrum heals on its own.
Signs you can look out for as a parent
A child with ear problems cannot always indicate this well. Therefore, pay attention:
- Frequently pulling or rubbing the ear
- Crying a lot or sleeping restlessly
- Fever with no apparent cause
- Poor eating or drinking (swallowing may be painful)
- Less responsive to sound
What can you do if your child has ear problems with colds?
Fortunately, you can already do a lot yourself to alleviate symptoms.
- Pain relief: Give paracetamol in the correct dosage. This helps against pain and fever.
- Nasal drops or spray: A saline solution can help clear the nose and Eustachian tube.
- Rest and comfort: Let your child rest sufficiently, but keep the head slightly higher while sleeping. This can relieve pressure.
- Warmth: A warm jar (wrapped well) or a warm cloth against the ear can be soothing.
- Patience: In many cases, a middle ear infection goes away on its own within a few days.
When to see the doctor?
Always see your doctor if:
- Your child is under six months old and has an earache
- The symptoms persist or worsen for more than three days
- Your child looks very sick or becomes drowsy
- There is fluid or pus coming out of the ear
- You have doubts about your child’s hearing
The doctor can assess whether antibiotics or further treatment is needed.
Can you prevent ear problems with colds?
Complete prevention is not possible, but you can reduce the risk:
- Teach your child to wash hands regularly to reduce infections.
- Avoid smoke in the home, as it increases the risk of ear infections.
- Have your child breathe through the nose rather than the mouth as much as possible.
- Maintain a good resistance with a healthy diet, enough sleep and adequate exercise.
Earplugs and hearing protection in children
Although ear problems caused by colds come mainly from within, children are also sensitive to external factors. For example, loud noises at school or during events. With
Summary
Colds and ear problems in children are inextricably linked. Because of the construction of their ears, children are more susceptible to congestion, ear infections and temporary hearing loss. Fortunately, it often goes away on its own, but it can cause considerable discomfort. With simple measures at home you can often support your child well. When in doubt, it is always wise to visit your doctor.
That way, despite a runny nose or ear problem, you’ll make sure your child can get back to playing and learning happily and quickly.
