At a glance
- Ear pain often follows a cold. Pulling an ear alone cannot diagnose infection: a clinician needs to examine the eardrum. Fluid remaining after an infection is not always a new infection.
- Ask about pain relief appropriate for age and weight. Some children can be observed for 48–72 hours with a clinician’s follow-up plan; others need antibiotics. Do not start leftover antibiotics or put objects in the ear.
- Seek urgent care for swelling or redness behind the ear, an ear pushed outward, severe illness or a stiff neck. Contact the clinician for worsening symptoms, no improvement after 48–72 hours, or persistent hearing concerns.
- Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- This guide organizes warning signs; it cannot rule out illness. Follow the child’s clinician and local guidance.
What this can mean
Ear pain often follows a cold. Pulling an ear alone cannot diagnose infection: a clinician needs to examine the eardrum. Fluid remaining after an infection is not always a new infection.
Practical next steps
Ask about pain relief appropriate for age and weight. Some children can be observed for 48–72 hours with a clinician’s follow-up plan; others need antibiotics. Do not start leftover antibiotics or put objects in the ear.
Notice, act, reassess
- Ear affected, pain, temperature, hearing, treatment and planned recheck
- Ask about pain relief appropriate for age and weight. Some children can be observed for 48–72 hours with a clinician’s follow-up plan; others need antibiotics. Do not start leftover antibiotics or put objects in the ear.
- Seek urgent care for swelling or redness behind the ear, an ear pushed outward, severe illness or a stiff neck. Contact the clinician for worsening symptoms, no improvement after 48–72 hours, or persistent hearing concerns.
When to seek help
Seek urgent care for swelling or redness behind the ear, an ear pushed outward, severe illness or a stiff neck. Contact the clinician for worsening symptoms, no improvement after 48–72 hours, or persistent hearing concerns.
Call local emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue/gray lips, collapse, a seizure with failure to recover, or a child who is very difficult to wake. Do not delay to complete this tool.
A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if they look well. Do not delay assessment to try medicine or complete a diary.
Prepare for the visit
Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- Ear affected, pain, temperature, hearing, treatment and planned recheck
Common questions
What does this pattern mean?
Ear pain often follows a cold. Pulling an ear alone cannot diagnose infection: a clinician needs to examine the eardrum. Fluid remaining after an infection is not always a new infection.
What can families do next?
Ask about pain relief appropriate for age and weight. Some children can be observed for 48–72 hours with a clinician’s follow-up plan; others need antibiotics. Do not start leftover antibiotics or put objects in the ear.
When should we seek medical help?
Seek urgent care for swelling or redness behind the ear, an ear pushed outward, severe illness or a stiff neck. Contact the clinician for worsening symptoms, no improvement after 48–72 hours, or persistent hearing concerns.
What should I write down?
Ear affected, pain, temperature, hearing, treatment and planned recheck
Sources
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.