(HealthDay News) -- Children who get ear infections often end up in a lot of pain and discomfort.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these treatment suggestions:

• If the cause is bacterial, your pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic. This type of drug will have no effect if the cause is viral.
• Offer your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give a child aspirin.
• The pediatrician may prescribe ear drops to help relieve pain.
• Encourage your child to hold a warm heating pad over the sore ear, but make sure it's not too hot.