What to do if an 11 year old has a severe earache?

If an 11-year-old child is experiencing a severe earache, parents or caregivers should take the following steps:

1. Consult a healthcare professional: Contact a pediatrician, urgent care center, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist as soon as possible. Severe earaches may require medical evaluation and treatment.

2. Manage Pain:

- Give the child over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) following the recommended dosage for their age and weight. Always consult the drug label or healthcare professional before administering medication.

3. Apply Heat:

- Use a warm compress or heating pad wrapped in a towel to provide heat to the affected ear. Be cautious not to burn the child's skin.

4. Avoid Earwax Removal:

- Do not attempt to remove earwax from the ear canal, as this could make the earache worse.

5. Stay Hydrated:

- Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids as staying hydrated can help reduce inflammation and pain.

6. Elevate the Head:

- When resting or sleeping, elevate the child's head with pillows to reduce fluid build-up in the ears.

7. Avoid Air Travel:

- Air pressure changes during air travel can worsen earaches, so it's best to avoid flying if possible.

8. Use Saline Ear Drops:

- If the healthcare professional recommends it, use sterile saline ear drops to help soften and remove any impacted earwax.

9. Avoid Tobacco Smoke and Irritants:

- Keep the child away from tobacco smoke, air pollutants, and other irritants that can aggravate the earache.

10. Follow Medical Advice:

- Follow all instructions given by the healthcare professional, including any recommended medications, follow-up appointments, or additional treatment measures.

It's important to remember that severe earaches can be a sign of an underlying infection, such as otitis media, or other medical issues, so prompt medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.