Earache and ear infections
Earache is very common, especially in children. It is often caused by a middle ear infection (acute otitis media), which usually follows a cold. Many ear infections settle by themselves within a few days.
- Usually settles
- In about 3 days, sometimes up to a week
- Antibiotics
- Often not needed
- Pharmacy First
- Ages 1 to 17
Common symptoms
- Pain inside the ear
- A high temperature
- In babies and young children: pulling, tugging or rubbing the ear, crying more than usual, being irritable, feeding poorly or sleeping badly
- Hearing that seems muffled or dulled
- Feeling sick
- Sometimes fluid or discharge from the ear — if the eardrum bursts, the pain often eases
Other causes of earache
Not all earache is a middle ear infection. Pain that is worse when you touch or pull the outer ear is more likely an outer ear infection. Earache can also come from earwax build-up, a sore throat, tooth or jaw problems, or a blocked nose. If it is not clear what is causing it, ask us.
What you can do yourself
- Give paracetamol or ibuprofen at the right dose for the child's age and weight. Check the pack, and ask us if you are unsure or the child has asthma or other health conditions.
- Hold a warm or cool flannel against the ear if it helps.
- Make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids and getting rest.
- Do not put anything in the ear — no cotton buds, drops or oil — unless a doctor or pharmacist has told you to.
How PRX Pharmacy can help
Through Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess earache in children and young people aged 1 to 17 without a GP appointment. Where possible they will look in the ear, check for warning signs and advise on pain relief. If antibiotics are likely to help, they may be able to supply them.
Earache in babies under 1 needs to be checked by a doctor — contact your GP practice or call 111. Adults with earache should also see their GP, although our pharmacists are always happy to advise.
When to get medical help
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- • There is a severe headache together with a stiff neck, or the child is very drowsy, confused or hard to wake
- • The child has a seizure (fit)
- • The child is floppy, has cold or blotchy skin, or is breathing fast and seems seriously unwell
Contact your GP practice or call 111 the same day if:
- • There is swelling, redness or tenderness behind the ear, or the ear is sticking out
- • There is new weakness or drooping on one side of the face
- • It is a baby under 1 year old
- • The pain is severe, or there is a high temperature that does not come down
- • It has not started to improve after about 3 days, or it is getting worse
- • There is sudden hearing loss, or dizziness or spinning
- • Ear infections keep coming back
If you are ever worried and unsure, ask us or call 111. Trust your instincts — it is always better to ask.
This guide is general information written by the PRX Pharmacy team. It does not replace advice from a pharmacist or doctor who knows your medical history.
Last updated 24 September 2026. Clinically reviewed by Milan Patel, Pharmacist on 24 September 2026.
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