Children's earache advice and NHS-funded* treatment service

The Pharmacy First Service offers guidance and treatment for middle ear infections (acute otitis media) to individuals between the ages of 1 and 17.

Advice and treatment service for earache (children) in Clayton Pharmacy

Are you experiencing middle ear infection symptoms? For people ages 1 to 17, we provide a free consultation and treatment service through the NHS Pharmacy First Service, which eliminates the need to see your general practitioner. Make an online appointment.

Your eligibility and suitability for the Free NHS Pharmacy First Service will be assessed by the pharmacist. In certain situations, your symptoms might not need a therapy. Additionally, the pharmacist may recommend you to your general practitioner or another provider for additional evaluation and treatment if they discover that your symptoms point to a more serious infection or disease.
 

Acute Otitis Media: What Is It?

An infection of the middle ear is called otitis media. It is linked to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, redness, and inflammation.

Although acute otitis media can affect anyone, children are especially likely to get it.
 

What symptoms indicate an acute otitis media (middle ear infection)?

The symptoms of acute otitis media appear rapidly and typically go away in a few days. Among the symptoms are:

* Earache
* Fever (a high temperature)
* Being sick
* Lack of energy
* Mild hearing loss brought on by the accumulation of fluidp
* Running discharge from the ears
* Feeling pressure or fullness inside the ear

Very young children may find it challenging to express their symptoms or the cause of their suffering. Young children who are unable to express their symptoms orally may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
* Pulling on the ears
* Rubbing on the ears
* Being irritable and restless
* Not feeding as normal
* Not responding to some sounds
* Loss of balance

Seek medical attention if your symptoms are severe or persistent. Eligible individuals can receive treatment and guidance for acute otitis media through the NHS Pharmacy First Service.

 

What kinds of earache treatments are offered by Pharmacy First Service?

In a consultation, a pharmacist will evaluate your symptoms. You might be provided treatment for the middle ear infection if it is clinically suitable and you qualify through the NHS Pharmacy First service. Among the available therapeutic options are:

Ear drops – for symptomatic relief of acute otitis media.

Antibiotic tablets/capsules/Oral Solution – for the treatment of acute otitis media

*Unless you qualify for free prescriptions, you will be responsible for paying the regular NHS prescription fee if you are given a prescription medication.

The pharmacist may suggest an alternate course of treatment or direct you to another service if you are not qualified for Pharmacy First Service therapy or if the available treatments are inappropriate for you.

Are you curious to know more about ear infections? For the most recent guidance and information on ear infections, visit the NHS.uk website.

 

Advice and treatment for other common conditions

The Pharmacy First Service is an NHS service designed to offer free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions including Earache. Patients can access this service at Clayton Pharmacy. The additional six conditions covered by this service are:
-> Impetigo
-> Infected insect bites
-> Shingles
-> Sinusitis
-> Sore Throat
-> Uncomplicated UTI