Pain relief for children

[Sandra17]

I would like to learn more about pain relief alternatives to paracetamol. I dislike giving paracetamol to myself or to my children and avoid it as much as I can. But when my (2 year old) daughter has been wailing close to screaming intensity for 30 minutes in the middle of the night - My only suspicion is possibly earache - I don't feel I can ask her to put up with more without some help.

This may mark me out as a complete freak, but I need to start tracking this intense pain. I think the last time she exhibited this response was around the last full moon (i.e. apart from last night when she was also in a lot of pain). Both my husband and son tend to be restless and sleeptalk on a full moon night, but my daughter's response is much more extreme. I have no idea if I sleep badly on a full moon as they all keep me awake!!!

[Janet]

If it's ear ache then half an onion warmed in the oven, put into a sock and held on her ear will really help. Homeopathics for ear ache would be beneficial too if it's causing her that level of pain. Breastfeeding is a natural painkiller too so offering that can even be enough for some children.

[Tici]

Can I just ask, how long would you leave the onion in the oven for Janet ? Warm it but still raw ? ..or almost cooked ?

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

For earache ... if you are sure it's inflammed and there is ear tugging... I used to put 2 drops of 6% hydrogen peroxide (thanks to the Australian doctor who taught me that) into the ear, leave for about two minutes, then turn the head over and then rest the ear on a toilet paper pad on top of a warm hot water bottle, with a cover on it. That usually sent my kids to sleep... problem being I only ever had to do it once for the older one, and twice for the younger one. But all three times it worked, and it works for me if I get earache. Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria and fungus...

If you want to try that, try the hydrogen peroxide in your own ears first, so that you know what it will feel like...there's a glunk as it hits the bottom, then soft fizzing, and loud fizzing as it drains out...

[Aviendha]

We have used the onion trick a couple of times and has always worked.

I am very dubious about pain relief for a number of reasons, firstly it masks symptoms. This can have deadly consequences, say in a case of menningitis.

Secondly they don't allow the body to heal, if your child is sick and feverish, the best thing for your child to do is lay down and rest, not eat (unless they are really hungry) and allow their body to use huge amounts of energy burning that fever and fighting whatever is causing it.

Thirdly, being medicated is an underexpression of life. Kids learn their limits, they appreciate wellness and understand how to cope with pain when they get a chance to experience it. They are then better able to put pain into perpsective, which is amazingly valuable for later in life, say for example in childbirth. (Does that make sense?)

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

being medicated is an underexpression of life. Kids learn their limits, they appreciate wellness and understand how to cope with pain when they get a chance to experience it. They are then better able to put pain into perpsective, which is amazingly valuable for later in life, say for example in childbirth.


absolutely. That is so important...

[Lexie]

Thirdly, being medicated is an underexpression of life. Kids learn their limits, they appreciate wellness and understand how to cope with pain when they get a chance to experience it. They are then better able to put pain into perpsective, which is amazingly valuable for later in life, say for example in childbirth. (Does that make sense?)

I agree with that as well. I've had lots of pain in my life, but I don't feel it's necessary to numb it all away.

The hydrogen peroxide idea sounds very interesting... I haven't had earaches in so many years, but I'll keep that in mind just in case. :)

[magical1]

Yes hydrogen peroxide is the go for earaches. On the onset of a cold also there is rumour that it may stop the cold dead in its tracks.

When my kids start to sneeze etc then they get the "treatment" they love the fizz and pop in their ears.

[Sandra17]

Thank you for all of your suggestions. I have got some practical tips to try and much to think about.