Pharmacy First - Earache (Acute otitis media)

Symptoms of Earache

• Pain around the ear
• Toothache
• Change in hearing
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Discharge from the ear
• Scaly skin in and around the ear
• Irritated skin around the ear
• Loss of balance



Pain around the ear is the primary symptom of earache regardless of other symptoms this is one symptom you will typically suffer. The other symptoms will usually come in combination depending on the cause of earache. For example, an ear infection will usually result in discharge from the ear and fever.  A young child with earache could have ear pain and tooth pain due to teething.  We have listed all the symptoms of earache but if you believe you have this condition book a free appointment via the new NHS Pharmacy First service:

Treatment for Earache

Earache has a range of treatment options available through Pharmacy First depending on its severity. Simple treatment options could include over-the-counter medication (ear drops) or home remedies such as placing a warm flannel on the affected ear. More complex treatment might be required for severe earache, this treatment could include prescribed medications including antibiotics if appropriate. Our pharmacist will offer you a consultation to discover the root cause of your earache. This will allow them to prescribe medication or other treatments appropriately.



NB: If you need a more serious medical interventions our pharmacist will refer you on.

What is causing my earache?

Earache has a range of underlying causes, sometimes in young children earache can be attributed to teething. Although, they also could have a build-up of earwax, or potentially a foreign object stuck in the ear. It can be hard to find the exact cause of a child’s earache. Therefore, if you believe your child has earache just book a consultation with our pharmacist. Another common cause is ear infection, (you can safely assume an adult is typically not suffering from teething!) Ear infections can be really painful, and they are usually a result of a bacterial infection. Another potential cause of earache is dental problems such as tooth infections or impacted wisdom teeth. These can cause earache due to the proximity of your ears and teeth; in this case, you will usually have more and different symptoms associated with dental issues along with earache.



Book a consultation through the FREE, NHS Pharmacy First service with our pharmacist: 

Complication of Earache

Despite earache being a relatively simple condition it has the potential to cause significant complications for your hearing. Earache can deteriorate due to an infection spreading, or an underlying condition not being addressed. One common complication of earache is tinnitus. This condition although seemingly harmless will create a permanent ringing or buzzing sound in your ear. 



We have briefly mentioned that you can (albeit very rarely) damage your hearing due to earache. Perforated eardrums, ear infections and inflammation can all lead to varying levels of hearing loss. An ear infection can cause temporary or permanent damage to the middle of your ear. Recurring infections will cause a build-up of fluid in the middle section of your ear. In turn, causing permanent hearing loss. Ear infections can also in rare cases spread to other areas of the body. Typically, the bone behind the ear or the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Both of which, (although to state again rare!) can be dangerous to your overall health. Inflammation of your ear will cause temporary hearing loss until the inflammation subsides. Perforated eardrums typically cause temporary hearing loss in the affected ear although the hearing loss could be present for up to 6 months.

If you have the symptoms of earache and it's not recovering on its own, book a consultation with our pharmacy under the FREE, NHS Pharmacy First service.

How can NHS Pharmacy First help me?

NHS Pharmacy First can help you with earache. Patients can now seek FREE NHS treatment and advice directly from their local community pharmacy. (Letchworth Pharmacy is a great choice!) No need for a GP appointment. We can provide patients with medication when appropriate to treat any of the seven common conditions that this service covers. NHS Pharmacy First has changed the way the country can access healthcare.

Learn more about Pharmacy First >

Feel free to book an appointment or simply pop in and speak to our award-winning pharmacy team: 

Conclusion

Whilst earache is a common condition, it is often overlooked or simply dismissed as a symptom of a simple-to-treat condition. Although this can be true, earache remains one of the main indications of potential underlying issues with our ears. Infection can (rarely) lead to permanent damage to your hearing, so it’s important not to ignore your earache if its troublesome.  Many of the potential complications associated with untreated earache are easily avoided through advice and a consultation with our pharmacist. Only in severe cases will you need further treatment options such as a GP visit or specialist referral.

If you are worried about your earache, then book an appointment with our pharmacist under the free, NHS! Pharmacy First service: