Earache (ages 1-17 years)
Earaches are common, especially in children. They can be a burning, sharp or dull ear pain that either comes and goes or is constant. It can affect one ear or both. Infections in the ear, whether in the outer (tube connecting the outer ear and eardrum) or middle ear (behind the ear drum), can cause pain in the ear. These infections are often caused by bacteria or viruses. There may be a watery or pus-like fluid coming out of the ear.
Under the new NHS Pharmacy First Service, our pharmacist can provide support for your earache concerns. No appointment is needed, and we can offer advice and treatment, including certain prescription medicines where appropriate, for individuals aged 1 to 17 years who live in England. It's a convenient option to address minor health concerns without the need for a GP visit.
Our pharmacists can guide you on:
- How you can treat your earache yourself at home
- If you can buy anything to help like pain relief
- If you need any over-the-counter eardrops which can relieve pain and itching
- If you need to see a GP
Although earaches often resolve by themselves, there are some cases you might need to speak to your GP.
Earaches are a common issue, particularly in children. The pain can range from sharp and burning to dull and persistent, affecting one or both ears. Ear infections—whether in the outer ear (the canal leading to the eardrum) or the middle ear (behind the eardrum)—are frequent causes of ear pain and are often triggered by bacteria or viruses. In some cases, a watery or pus-like discharge may come from the ear.
Through the NHS Pharmacy First Service, our pharmacists can assist individuals aged 1 to 17 years in England with earache concerns - no appointment required. We provide expert advice and, where appropriate, certain prescription treatments, making it easier to manage minor health issues without seeing a GP.
When you visit our pharmacy, we can:
- Advise on self-care remedies to ease earache at home
- Recommend pain relief options if needed
- Suggest over-the-counter eardrops for pain and itching relief
- Assess whether a GP consultation is necessary
While many earaches resolve on their own, some cases may require further medical attention. If your symptoms persist or worsen, our pharmacists can guide you on the next steps.
