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Earache Treatment Service

Quick access to earache treatment through NHS Pharmacy First

Earache / Ear Infection

If your child is experiencing ear pain, it could be due to an infection (Otitis Media). Visit our pharmacy to speak with a pharmacist, who can assess their symptoms and provide appropriate advice or treatment. This service is available for children aged 1 to 17 years.

Expert Assessment

Our pharmacists will assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice and treatment.

Treatment Options

Access to prescription medications and other treatments for earache relief.

Professional Advice

Get expert advice on managing symptoms and preventing future episodes.

No GP Appointment Needed

Quick access to treatment without waiting for a GP appointment.

Follow-up Care

We'll ensure your treatment is working and provide additional support if needed.

Quick Service

Get assessed and receive treatment in a single visit to our pharmacy.

Understanding Earache

About Earache

Earache is a common problem, particularly in children. It can be worrying, but it's usually only caused by a minor infection and will often get better in a few days without treatment.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of earache can include:

  • Pain inside the ear
  • A high temperature of 38C or above
  • 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

Symptoms in Young Children

Young children and babies with earache might also:

  • Rub or pull their ear
  • Not react to some sounds
  • Be irritable or restless
  • Be off their food
  • Keep losing their balance

Self-Care Tips

To help relieve earache symptoms at home:

Do

  • Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • Place a warm or cold flannel on the ear
  • Remove any discharge by wiping the ear with cotton wool
  • Stay upright to help reduce pressure in your ears

Don't

  • Do not put anything inside your ear, such as cotton buds or your finger
  • Do not let water get in your ear
  • Do not use eardrops unless recommended by a healthcare professional
  • Do not try to remove earwax yourself

When to Seek Medical Help

While most cases of earache clear up on their own, you should seek medical advice if:

See a GP if:

  • The earache does not improve after 3 days
  • You or your child has a very high temperature or feels hot and shivery
  • You or your child has swelling around the ear
  • Fluid is coming out of the ear
  • There is something stuck in the ear
  • The earache is in both ears
  • You or your child has other symptoms, like a severe sore throat or vomiting

How Our Pharmacy Can Help

At Taffs Pharmacy, we can provide:

  • Assessment of your child's symptoms to determine if they have an ear infection
  • Advice on over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and discomfort
  • Prescription medications if appropriate, without needing a GP appointment
  • Guidance on when to seek further medical attention if necessary
  • Follow-up care to ensure the treatment is working effectively

Our NHS Pharmacy First service allows you to get treatment for your child's earache quickly and conveniently, without having to wait for a GP appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about earache and our treatment service.

Need Relief from Earache?

Visit Taffs Pharmacy today for expert assessment and treatment through our NHS Pharmacy First service.

Please note: This service is available for children aged 1 to 17 years. If symptoms are severe or persist despite treatment, we may recommend seeing a GP.