In small children the Eustachian tube from the ear to the throat is often occluded by the tonsils from a cold. The germs spread to the inner ear causing infection. A strong antihistamine (ChlorTrimeton) and decongestant (Sudafed) should be used for the first 12 hours. If this does not quickly resolve the pain, the patient must be seen by a physician. Outer ear infection, swimmer’s ear, usually occurs after swimming in the summer. Two drops of alcohol in the ear after swimming may prevent swimmers ear.