Can Ibuprofen Effectively Treat Earache With Cold?

Posted on Sun, 15 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Apr 2018 Answered on

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My son has a really painful earache and our clinic doesn’t open for hours. He has had a cold. No fever.
Is there anything I can do to ease the pain?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Probably a viral infection, follow the advice below

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The symptoms of your child seem to be related to an infection.
It is probably a viral infection so antibiotics will not help.

Some advice that I can give to you are :

-use painkillers like ibuprofen to reduce the pain
-use low heat compresses
-gargling with salt water can help
-use eardrops for pain relief
-see your doctor for a physical examination.
If a bacterial infection is suspected you should take prescribed antibiotics. Consult your doctor about this treatment.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Dorina Gurabardhi, General & Family Physician

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng