Should I See a Doctor for an Earache?

Should I See a Doctor for an Earache?

The Short Answer: No, Not Usually.

Most earaches are caused by viral infections (like the common cold) and will clear up on their own within 3 to 4 days. Because they are viral, antibiotics are usually ineffective. In 2026, the Pharmacy First initiative allows you to get expert advice and treatment directly from your local chemist without a GP appointment.

What Causes Earache?

Ear pain can affect one or both ears and is most common in children under 10. The most frequent cause is Otitis Media (an infection of the middle ear).

Common triggers include:

• Viral Infections: Mucus from a cold or flu travels up the Eustachian tube, causing pressure on the eardrum.

• Earwax Build-up: Hardened wax blocking the ear canal.

• Glue Ear: A build-up of fluid in the middle ear (common in children).

• Teething or Sore Throats: Pain from the jaw or throat can “radiate” to the ear.

Specific Advice: Babies and Children

Earaches are a “right of passage” for many children, but they can be distressing for parents. About three-quarters of ear infections occur in children under 10.

How to Tell if Your Baby Has an Earache

Since infants can’t tell you where it hurts, look for these behavioural “red flags”:

• Tugging or pulling at the ear frequently.

• Unusual irritability or persistent crying that doesn’t stop with a feed or cuddle.

• Waking up at night more than usual (lying flat increases ear pressure and pain).

• Loss of appetite: Sucking and swallowing changes the pressure in the ear, which can be painful for a baby with an infection.

• A high temperature (38°C or above).

When is a Child’s Earache an Emergency?

While most earaches are minor, seek immediate medical help (A&E or 999) if your child has:

• A swelling or redness behind the ear that pushes the ear forward.

• A very high fever that doesn’t come down with paracetamol.

• A stiff neck or light sensitivity.

• Extreme lethargy or difficulty waking up.

How to Treat an Earache at Home

The primary goal is pain management while the body fights the virus.

• Pain Relief: Use infant-specific paracetamol or ibuprofen (e.g., Calpol or Nurofen). Follow the dosage on the bottle based on your child’s age/weight. Never give aspirin to anyone under 16.

• Warm Compress: Placing a warm (not hot) flannel over the affected ear can provide significant comfort.

• Keep it Dry: Avoid hair washing or swimming until the pain has subsided.

• Avoid Cotton Buds: Never put anything inside the ear. You risk puncturing the eardrum or pushing an infection deeper.

Try “Pharmacy First”

Before calling for a GP appointment, speak to your pharmacist. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, they can:

1. Examine the ear using an otoscope to check for inflammation or wax.

2. Provide prescription-only eardrops if the infection is in the outer ear canal (Otitis Externa).

3. Advise on the best painkillers for your child’s age and weight.

When to Contact a GP

You should seek medical advice if the earache hasn’t started to improve after 3 days, or if you notice:

• Discharge: Fluid, pus, or blood coming from the ear.

• Hearing Loss: A sudden change in hearing that persists.

• The “Burst” Eardrum: If the pain suddenly disappears and is followed by fluid leaking out. While the eardrum usually heals itself, it needs to be checked to prevent infection.

Summary: Your Action Plan

Is your child also suffering from a cough or runny nose, or did the ear pain start suddenly on its own?