Earache
Earache is a common condition that we have surely all faced at some point. Whether it's severe, painful earache or simply mild and irritating. This condition is now covered by the free NHS Independent Prescribing (IP) Service.
Woodville Road Pharmacy - Helping the local community in Cathays, Roath, Splott, Adamsdown, Tremorfa, Penylan and beyond.
Age range
1 to 17 years
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Quick access to assessment through Pharmacy First
Earache & Early Care
Earache is a common problem, especially in children, and it can signal that something isn’t quite right inside the ear. While discomfort may settle on its own, earache can also be a sign of infection or other issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Left untreated, some conditions can lead to more serious complications, including long‑term hearing problems.
That’s why recognising symptoms early and speaking to a pharmacist is important. Through the NHS Independent Prescribing (IP) Service, children and young people aged 1 to 17 who are registered with a GP can now be assessed quickly and safely for earache. Your pharmacist can examine symptoms, provide treatment where appropriate, or arrange a referral if needed — giving you fast access to the right care, close to home.
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Earache Symptoms
The main symptom of earache is pain in and around the ear. Ear pain will in almost every case of earache be the main symptom. Accompanying symptoms will then vary depending on what is causing your earache.
Obvious symptoms to look out for include discharge from the ear which is indicative of an infection. This can be a massive sign, especially for young children who won’t be able to spot an infection themselves. If you think your child has earache book an appointment today.
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Pain inside the ear
A high temperature
Being sick
A lack of energy
Difficulty hearing
Discharge running out of the ear
A feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
Itching and irritation in and around the ear
Scaly skin in and around the ear
Common causes
In children, the exact cause of earache can sometimes be difficult to identify, and pharmacist assessment may help with evaluation. In adults, earache is often associated with bacterial ear infections, which can be painful and may require treatment.
Earache in young children can be linked to teething.
Excess earwax build-up or a foreign object in the ear may cause pain and discomfort.
In adults, earache is often associated with bacterial ear infections.
Dental problems, including tooth infections or impacted wisdom teeth, can also cause ear pain due to their close proximity to the ear.
What you should know
Earache is a common condition that can range from mild discomfort to more painful infections. Understanding how it can be treated and when complications may occur can help you seek the right care at the right time.
Treatment
Mild earache may be relieved with over-the-counter treatments and simple home remedies, such as applying a warm flannel to the affected ear.
More severe cases may require prescription treatment, including antibiotics where appropriate.
A pharmacist consultation can help identify the likely cause of your symptoms and recommend the most suitable treatment.
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Possible Complications
Although earache itself is not usually serious, untreated infections can occasionally lead to complications.
Inflammation, ear infections and perforated eardrums may affect hearing.
Symptoms can range from temporary tinnitus (ringing in the ears) to, in rare cases, partial hearing loss.
Seeking timely advice and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.