Middle-ear infections (acute otitis media) are common in babies and children, causing ear pain, fever, irritability and sometimes discharge from the ear.
Our pharmacist can examine the ear with an otoscope and supply NHS treatment, including antibiotics where clinically needed, for children aged 1 to 17.
Available free on the NHS for children aged 1 to 17. Use our one-minute eligibility checker and our pharmacist will be in touch to arrange your consultation — or just walk in.
What it is, what to look out for, and what actually helps — from the pharmacists who treat it every day.
Earache in babies and children is most often acute otitis media — an infection of the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. It usually follows a cold, when fluid builds up behind the drum and becomes infected, causing pain, fever and a miserable, unsettled child.
Many middle-ear infections clear by themselves within three days, but some need treatment. Under Pharmacy First our pharmacist can examine the ear with an otoscope and supply NHS treatment — including antibiotics where clinically appropriate — for children aged 1 to 17. No GP appointment, no waiting on the phone at 8am.
Written by our pharmacy team — practical detail on treatment, timing and when to get help.
All health articles →Earache is covered by the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme. If you are exempt from prescription charges and registered with a Black Country GP, our pharmacist can supply the medicine free of charge — no GP appointment needed.
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