What Is Acute Otitis Media (Earache)?
Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. It commonly affects children and can develop following a cold. Symptoms may include ear pain, a high temperature and general discomfort. Most ear infections improve within 3 days, although symptoms can sometimes last up to a week. Read the NHS guidance on ear infections for further information.
GPharmacy Direct is an online-only pharmacy based in Golborne, Greater Manchester. We can provide information about medicines and direct you to appropriate healthcare services when further assessment is needed.
Common symptoms include:
- Earache or ear pain
- High temperature (fever)
- Pulling, tugging or rubbing the ear in younger children
- Irritability, restlessness or difficulty sleeping
- Reduced hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear
- Discharge coming from the ear
How GPharmacy Direct Can Help
- Advice and support: Contact our pharmacy team for information about medicines and appropriate next steps when your child has earache.
- Guidance on treatment: Treatment depends on the child’s symptoms and clinical assessment. A healthcare professional may recommend suitable pain relief and self-care measures. Antibiotics are not routinely required for every ear infection.
- Information about medicines: Our pharmacy team can provide advice on the appropriate use of medicines within the scope of the service provided. Any prescription-only treatment must be supplied in accordance with the relevant prescribing and supply requirements.
- Signposting to appropriate care: If your child needs an examination or further assessment, we can direct you to an appropriate healthcare professional or service.
For clinical guidance, see NICE recommendations on acute otitis media and antimicrobial prescribing.
Supporting Your Family’s Health
Earache can be uncomfortable for children and worrying for parents. Knowing when to seek medical advice can help you access appropriate care.
GPharmacy Direct provides online pharmacy services and medicine-related support. Because we operate as an online-only pharmacy, we do not offer in-person ear examinations at our registered pharmacy premises.
For information about the NHS Pharmacy First service and the conditions covered, visit the official NHS England Pharmacy First page. Children with suspected acute otitis media may be eligible for assessment through a participating community pharmacy, subject to the service’s eligibility criteria.
Need Advice About Your Child’s Earache?
Contact GPharmacy Direct on 01925 346664 or email info@gpharmacydirect.co.uk for pharmacy-related enquiries. If your child needs a clinical examination, contact your GP or an appropriate local healthcare service.
Seek urgent medical advice if your child is very unwell, has swelling around the ear, discharge from the ear or new hearing loss. If there is redness and swelling behind the ear, a stiff neck, or unusual drowsiness or confusion, seek urgent medical assessment. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
You can also contact NHS 111 for advice about urgent healthcare needs.
