EARWAX BLOCKAGE (Cerumen Impaction) |
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EARWAX BLOCKAGE (Cerumen Impaction)
DESCRIPTIONEarwax blockage refers to an overproduction of earwax, causing blockage of the external ear canal. Wax is produced by the ear to protect the canal leading from the eardrum to the outside. The external ear canal on one or both sides is involved.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care. Sometimes your child's earwax can be removed easily at home with ear drops and irrigation of the ear canal.
Doctor's treatment if the wax is difficult to remove.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Decreased hearing.
Ear pain.
Plugged feeling in the ear.
Ringing in the ear.
CAUSES
Overproduction of wax by glands in the child's external ear canal.
RISK FACTORS
Exposure to dust or debris.
Family history of overproduction of earwax.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEYour child should avoid areas where the air is dusty or filled with debris. This stimulates overproduction of earwax.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Ear infection.
Eardrum damage.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Earwax can be removed, but stubborn cases require patience.
TREATMENT
HOME CARETo remove earwax from your child's ear at home:
Buy non-prescription wax-softening ear drops.
Have the child lie down with the affected ear toward the ceiling.
Pull the top of the child's ear gently up and back toward the back of the head.
Instill the ear drops in the child's ear; use the amount given in the package directions.
Leave the drops in the child's ear for 20 minutes. The child should continue to lie down, if possible. Plug the ear with cotton.
Then the child can sit up, leaning a little toward the affected side.
Use a soft rubber bulb syringe to irrigate the child's ear canal gently with plain warm water or equal parts warm water and hydrogen peroxide.
Repeat irrigations until the child's ear feels clear. If the ear doesn't clear, consult your doctor.
Don't try to remove wax with a stick or cotton swab. You may damage the child's eardrum or cause infection in the ear canal.
MEDICATION
For minor pain, use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
After treatment, your doctor may prescribe wax-softening ear drops to use when needed.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes. This condition is not contagious to others.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of an earwax blockage that does not clear, despite treatment describe above.
A child younger than 4 has an earwax blockage.
Fever and ear pain accompany an earwax blockage. Do not irrigate the ear in this case.
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