Pharmacy First condition
Earache (Acute Otitis Media)
Ear pain and middle-ear infection in children, examined face to face at our Crewe pharmacy.
Middle-ear infections, known clinically as acute otitis media, are very common in children and a frequent worry for parents. Through NHS Pharmacy First, a pharmacist in Crewe can examine the ear and advise you, without needing a GP appointment.
What is happening in the ear
Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, often arriving on the back of a cold. It typically causes ear pain and can dull hearing for a short while. Most cases settle within a few days, and many improve without any antibiotic.
How it shows itself
Older children and teenagers usually describe ear pain. Younger children may simply be unsettled, tug at the ear, feed poorly, sleep badly, hear less clearly or run a temperature. Sometimes fluid drains from the ear, which often eases the pain as it does so.
What the pharmacist will do
This service is delivered face to face because the pharmacist needs to look inside the ear with an otoscope. After examining the ear and asking about symptoms and history, they advise on pain relief and recovery and, where the NHS pathway supports it, can provide treatment directly. Anything suggesting a more serious problem is referred on promptly.
Keeping comfortable
Regular pain relief is the single most useful thing for comfort while the ear settles. The pharmacist will recommend suitable options and explain what to expect over the coming days.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent help if pain is severe or worsening, if there is swelling or redness behind the ear, a stiff neck, unusual drowsiness, or the child seems very unwell.
Symptoms
Ear pain, irritability or ear-pulling in young children, muffled hearing, and sometimes a temperature or fluid from the ear.
What the pharmacist can do
Our pharmacist examines the ear with an otoscope, advises on pain relief and recovery, and where appropriate supplies NHS treatment. This pathway is done in person because the ear must be looked at.
When to see a GP or seek urgent help
Seek urgent help for severe or worsening pain, swelling or redness behind the ear, a stiff neck, drowsiness, or a very unwell child.