Ear Infection
(Also known as acute otitis media)
Ear infections are very common, and not usually very serious. They can develop at any age, but are most common in children.
Ear infections are very common, and not usually very serious. They can develop at any age, but are most common in children.
You might have an ear infection if you have:
Pain inside the affected ear
Difficulty hearing
A feeling of pressure inside the ear
Middle ear infections are usually caused by a bacteria or virus in the middle ear, this often happens due to the common cold or flu.
Outer ear infections are typically caused by something irritating the inside of your ear, such as water or an underlying skin condition like eczema.
Outer ear infections are typically caused by something irritating the inside of your ear, such as water or an underlying skin condition like eczema.
- Pain inside the affected ear
- Difficulty hearing
- A feeling of pressure inside the ear
- Itchiness in or around the ear
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Feeling tired or lacking energy
- A high temperature (fever) of 38c or more
- Take low strength painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Place a warm or cold cloth on the affected ear
- Clean the ear of any discharge with cotton wool
Ear infections are a Pharmacy First condition
If you think you have an ear infection, you can book an in-branch consultation with a pharmacist who can diagnose the condition, give you helpful advice and prescribe treatment without you needing to see a GP.
Consultations for ear infections require you to go to your pharmacy, as your pharmacist will need to use specialist equipment to check the inside of your ear.
