As the saying goes, the child is father of the man. So, yes, just like the father, the child too can suffer from an ear ache. Acute inflammation of the middle ear is generally the cause of an ear ache. Else, it might be the outer ear that may have been chronically inflamed. Boils, eczema, or ear wax can also contribute to the pain. At times, even a rotten tooth might be the cause of an ear ache.
Depending on what caused the ear ache, the treatment varies. However, the application of heat is known to provide considerable relief. You can also put drops of heated mustard oil into the affected ear. Alternatively, you can burn of pod of garlic in a spoonful of any edible oil and then cool the concoction to room temperature. Put drops of this mixture into ear that hurts the five-year old and plug in a piece of cotton for a while. The pain will subside and so will the five-year old's tantrums.
Do remember children have a habit of inserting small sharp objects, such as pencils, pins, etc, in their ears. These objects might rupture the ear drum and cause an ear ache. So, to avoid any serious complications, it's best that you first get the ear examined by a physician.
answered by G R