Acute Otitis Media
Acute Otitis Media Treatment
If your child has earache or symptoms of a middle ear infection, our pharmacy may be able to help through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
Children and young people aged 1 to 17 years can be assessed by our pharmacist for acute otitis media, commonly known as a middle ear infection. You do not normally need to see your GP first.
What is acute otitis media?
Acute otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. It is particularly common in children and often develops following a cold or other respiratory infection.
The infection can cause pain and discomfort because fluid can build up behind the eardrum. Many ear infections improve naturally within a few days, but some children may need additional treatment or medical advice.
Symptoms of a middle ear infection
Common symptoms of acute otitis media can include:
- Pain or discomfort inside the ear
- A high temperature
- Difficulty hearing or reduced hearing
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
- Fluid or discharge coming from the ear
- Irritability or restlessness
- Reduced appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Rubbing or pulling at the affected ear
- Problems with balance
Symptoms can develop quickly and may affect one or both ears.
NHS Pharmacy First Ear Infection Service
Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacist can assess children and young people aged between 1 and 17 years who may have acute otitis media.
The pharmacist will ask about your child’s symptoms, medical history and any medicines they are currently taking. They may also examine the ear using an otoscope, which allows them to look inside the ear and assess the eardrum.
Following the consultation, the pharmacist will explain the most appropriate next steps. This may include self-care advice, treatment to manage symptoms or, where clinically appropriate and in line with the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway, supplying medication.
Who can use this service?
The NHS Pharmacy First acute otitis media service is available for children and young people who:
- Are aged from 1 to 17 years
- Have symptoms that may be caused by an acute middle ear infection
- Meet the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway criteria
Children under 1 year old are not covered by the Pharmacy First acute otitis media pathway. If your child is under 12 months old and you think they have an ear infection, contact their GP for advice.
Get help in 4 easy steps
1. Contact our pharmacy
Book an appointment or speak to our pharmacy team if your child is aged 1 to 17 years and has symptoms of an ear infection.
2. Speak to our pharmacist
Our pharmacist will discuss your child’s symptoms, medical history and any medicines they are currently taking.
3. Clinical assessment
The pharmacist will assess your child’s symptoms and may examine their ear to determine whether they are showing signs of acute otitis media.
4. Advice and treatment
We will explain the most appropriate next steps. If treatment is clinically appropriate under the NHS Pharmacy First pathway, the pharmacist may be able to provide it directly from the pharmacy.
How can you help an ear infection at home?
Many ear infections improve on their own within around 3 days, although symptoms can sometimes last for up to a week.
To help manage discomfort, you can:
- Use suitable pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the instructions for your child’s age
- Gently wipe away any discharge from the outside of the ear
- Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Try to keep water and shampoo out of the affected ear
Do not put cotton buds, fingers or other objects inside the ear. Children under 16 should not take aspirin.
When should I seek urgent medical advice?
You should seek urgent medical advice from your GP or NHS 111 if your child has symptoms of an ear infection and:
- They appear generally very unwell
- They have a very high temperature or are hot, cold or shivery
- There is swelling around the ear
- Fluid is coming from the ear
- They develop a change in hearing or new hearing loss
- They are vomiting or feeling dizzy
- They have a severe sore throat
- They have a weakened immune system
- They have certain long-term medical conditions
If you are unsure whether Pharmacy First is suitable, speak to our pharmacy team. We can advise whether your child can be assessed by the pharmacist or whether they should be referred to another healthcare professional.
Do we need to see a GP first?
No. If your child is aged between 1 and 17 years, you can contact a participating pharmacy directly for an NHS Pharmacy First consultation for suspected acute otitis media.
You may also be referred to a pharmacy by your GP practice, NHS 111 or another NHS healthcare service.
Will my child need antibiotics?
Not every ear infection needs antibiotics. Many middle ear infections improve naturally without antibiotic treatment.
Our pharmacist will assess your child’s symptoms using the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway and will only provide treatment when it is clinically appropriate. If your child needs further medical assessment, we will explain what you should do next.
Convenient NHS care from your local pharmacy
Pharmacy First makes it easier for families to access professional NHS healthcare in their community. Instead of waiting for a GP appointment, eligible children and young people with symptoms of an ear infection can speak directly to a trained pharmacist.
Our pharmacy team is here to assess your child’s symptoms, provide advice and help them access the right treatment when they need it.
Book an appointment today
If your child is experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, book an appointment with our pharmacy team today. We can assess their symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
