What could this be?

[goodnessgraciousannie]

DD (6) has woken up saying she's in a lot of pain, it's just under her left ear. It's really swollen compared to the other side and you can feel a sort of lump when you run a finger over it. She doesn't feel unwell apart from this pain and doesn't seem to have a temperature. Anyone have any idea what it could be? Obviously can't get a gp appointment today so just hoping it's something that will not get any worse over the day!

Still a good chance that 111 will call you, ours was on a 6 hour wait for non urgent the other day and they were amazing when they called.

If she’s eating and has no temperature and is generally ok, I wouldn’t worry too much.But obviously get it checked. If she starts saying it’s unbearable then get urgent help.

Just a little update 111 never phoned back. She slept well but this morning the swelling is much worse and is now spreading to the side of her face. She says it still really hurts and isn't her normal self this morning. I'll be ringing the Gp as soon as they open

She's now just burst in to tears saying the pain is unbearable bless her. Don't think 111 will be any quicker today though so thinking the Gp is probably the best bet

For such a young child I'd choose A&E personally unless you are absolutely certain you can get a same day GP appointment at your practice.

This sounds like a parotid gland stone, I have one and looks just like this when it flares. Basically blocks saliva, so eating/even thought of eating (anything that makes saliva flow) makes it more painful. It’s genuinely so sore, so I feel for your wee one. Lots of water and gentle massage particularly close to where jaw meets ear. I actually find heat helps better than cold x

@TookTheBook our Gp practice are pretty good with kids and I can pretty much guarantee they will see her today, just wanted to try and avoid making her sit for hours in a&e if we can possibly help it. Although if it keeps getting worse before we can call the Gp then obviously I'll take her

Has she had all of her vaccinations? Could be mumps.

Not sure where you are but kids are seen quite quickly where we are even though the adult A & E is awful. I would just go unless the GP can get her in early on the morning.

@TemporaryName123 she says eating and drinking isn't hurting this morning but I'll still mention this to the Gp.
@Fraaahnces yes she's up to date with all vaccinations luckily.
@MerryMarigold unfortunately where we are there is one hospital that deals with a huge area as the local ones got shut down so the children's a&e is normally rammed and wait times are generally about 6-8 hours

I hope she gets better really soon xxx

Just got through to the drs, the receptionist said she is going to put us on the list for the very first call this morning so hopefully we will have some answers soon!

Just seen a dr. He said her ear is a bit red so he thinks it's an ear infection. He said he normally wouldn't give antibiotics as she hasn't got a temperature but because her gland is so swollen he's going to give her some.

That’s good op. Simple explanation. Hope they kick in soon.