Intermittent Earache in child?

[lisaneedsarest]

My almost 5 year old ds has been suffering from earache on and off loads recently, it only really happens when he has a cold and comes and goes, usually at night either before bed or he wakes up with it. He is clearly in really discomfort, last night he was awake from 10 - 2am - calpol and olive oil didn't seem to touch the sides.

So what I'm asking is do you think there are any underlying reasons or is it just something he gets?

Also any tips for dealing with the pain? It's horrible to see him in such discomfort.

If its linked to a Cold, it is his eustacian tubes getting bunged up which causes a lot of pain. Ibuprofen is better for tackling the pain than paracetamol as it helps take the swelling down. I also recommend a circular massage working around his ears. It's what my DD's osteopath did for her And it worked wonders. It helps drain things. It's worth getting a nurse's appt and asking her/him to look in your DS' ears to see if the eardrum is visible. If its blocked with wax, then cerumol will help clear it better than olive oil.