Blocked Ear..?

Question

My little sister is 5 years old, my parents are in Manchester and im babysitting my brother and sister.
My sister has just came to me saying her right ear feels blocked and she has an ear ache.
I know Olive Oil can help clear a blocked ear, but we dont have any and the corner shops dont do any either, there is also noway I can get into town with these two.
I cant get her down the doctors being as it is sunday, and the hospital wont see her as it "isnt an urgent case"

What could I try?

I havent done anything yet, I now its a wazx build up because she gets it very ofter in only that one ear.
I just need to know if there is anything else I could try that will help, or just to stop the pain shes got.

Answer 1

Have you tried phoning NHS Direct, one of the nurses there could help put your mind at rest. They will take all your details and tell your what they think is wrong - and tell you if you need to see a doctor. The number is: 0845 4647


Don't ever, ever, EVER stick something in a child's ear without it being checked out by a doctor!

My son complained of a blocked ear when he was six and, after taking him to hospital, we found he had stuck a stone down there - which had to be hoovered out!

Olive oil is only good for wax - and it has to be used over several days, to help ease out the collected wax. However, at aged five, it is unlikely this is the problem with you sister.

It is quite possible she had what is known as 'swimmers ear' - when your ears feel blocked due to an infection. She would need some antibiotic/steroid ear drops to help this.

It is also possible that she has a viral infection, in which case paracetemol and bed rest are the only things that can help. Have you taken her temperature?

If your little sis seems hot or is in pain, take her to the hospital anyway.



************ UPDATE ***********

Get your sis some Calpol and dose her with this (Sweet tasting paracetamol medicine). Should be able to get some round your local shop/garage. Tuck her up with a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, to put next to her ear and sit it out til your can get to a doc tomorrow.

Answer 2

I get blocked ears sometimes - my doctor will not syringe my ears either. Instead she put a really long hook right into my ear and pulled out lumps of compacted wax. It was slightly uncomfortable but not painful. It was great when it was over, I got my hearing back! Mine we so blocked, the doctor could not see my ear drum. Go back to the GP - if possible, ask for a second opinion. Blimey, you should not have to suffer like this for such a routine and simple thing to sort. It's not like your GP isn't getting paid enough - makes my blood boil - what do they expect to do for £100,000 per year. The other option is to go to BUPA and pay but obviously, this will cost you and why should you have to pay. Be persistent on this don't suffer - you pay your taxes.

Answer 3

If its a block in the eustachian tube, try telling your sister to swallow a few times with her mouth and nose closed with her fingers. that will help. but if she has a blocked ear due to wax, then you will have to remove it. use any edible oil available at home, or better glycerine. DONT USE MINERAL OIL. make the oil or glycerine lukewarm. feel the heat on your tender skin. put it in your sisters ear only when the heat is acceptable and it does not hurt. insert 3-4 drops. wait for 4 min with her head tilted. now turn her head. use a soft ear bud to remove the melted wax. NEVER USE ANY POINTED OBJECT. The back of a safety-pin may be of some use, as it has a smooth loop to remove the wax. try it. Hope she'll be better.

Answer 4

warm compress should work best.
20 min. intervals.

Does she have a temperature? Know if she does, when you call doctor and/or parents.

If pain does not ease up and/or gets worse, call the doctors office, there is usually a doctor or RN on standby. There is usually no charge for an initial phone consultation.

Try and get in touch with your parents.

DO NOT put anything in the ear... oil etc.

Answer 5

The above advice seems all good and well intentioned, but having her chew a large wad of gum might help loosen the blockage and relieve her pain temporarily.

Answer 6

my friend if she is not in pain take her tommorw give her some calpol or junior aspirin for now, keep her ear warm as this reduces pain take are wrap a scarf round it take care

Answer 7

If it is a wax buildup, any oil will do. If it is a plugged Eustachian tube, that is something different.

Answer 8

see a doctor they have a machine to wash it out and it feels real good