Episode-75-Why Is My Child Crying and Pulling Their Ear? A Pediatrician Explains

About this episode

Dr. Anselm Anyoha discusses the causes of ear pain in children and how pediatricians approach treatment.

Ear pain in children is one of the most common—and most stressful—reasons parents seek urgent medical care. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we unpack why ear pain can appear suddenly, cause intense distress, and leave families feeling anxious, especially at night. Dr. Anyoha explains that ear pain does not always mean an ear infection. While middle ear infections (otitis media) are common, ear pain in children can also be caused by fluid behind the eardrum, swimmer’s ear, teething, sore throat, sinus congestion, or even dental issues. That’s why pediatricians take a careful, step-by-step approach—listening to parents, examining the ear, and looking beyond it to find the real source of pain. The episode walks parents through how pediatricians decide on treatment, emphasizing that not every ear infection needs antibiotics. Pain control, close monitoring, and targeted treatments—such as ear drops for outer ear infections—are often the best approach. Comfort matters, because children heal better when they feel better. Finally, the conversation highlights practical ways parents can help prevent recurrent ear infections, including staying up to date on vaccinations…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Anselm Anyoha

Topics covered

• ear pain
• children's health
• pediatric care
• ear infections
• parenting advice

Keywords

• ear pain
• children
• pediatrician
• ear infection
• treatment
• parenting
• healthcare

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