advice pls ds has ear ache - will he be ok till morning?

[wannaBeWhateverIWannaBe]

ds (4) started complaining of ear ache at about 5/5:30, was crying and saying it hurt lots. I've given calpol and although he's perked up he still says it hurts. He also said he had a high pitched noise (described it as something going "weeeeeeee" in his ear) in one ear.

I've called gp and they've told me I have to ring back in the morning to see if there's a cancellation, I'll ring and say it's an emergency and he has to be seen now but am bit concerned as to whether it's ok to leave till morning as I've heard horror stories of perforated ear drums etc.

advice please?

[DumbledoresGirl]

My ds3 has this at the moment (earache) He woke up in the middle of Friday/Saturday night in pain and had Calpol but did not really settle until he had ibuprofen 3 hours later. Since then, we have not had more disturbed nights and he has not needed any more pain relief but he does periodically say his ear hurts, or his ear is blocked (he described that, rather sweetly, as his voice coming out of his ear!) or pops painfully. I am holding off going to the doctors as he seems himself although he is not eating much. He is nearly 4 btw.

Anyway, so based on my experience, I would advise trying ibuprofen which I have been told is better at pain relief than paracetamol.

[DumbledoresGirl]

Oh should add, ds3 has the most dreadful cough at the moment - this is where the earache has come from.

[LIZS]

Give max does of Nurofen or Calprofen as it has an anti-inflammatory effect(you can aletrnate with Calpol for pain relief) . It may just be fluid , rather than an infection , and sleeping with head raised up on pillows will help. Even if it is infected it may not necessarily perforate and AB's would n't necessarily prevent it doing so either. Hope he is ok.

[Madoldcatlady]

A hot water bottle on the ear (covered and not too hot, obviously!)is very soothing.

[LIZS]

how is he today ?