NHS Pharmacy First: Help for Your Child’s Earache

An earache can be tough on children—and parents. It can make your little one irritable, disrupt their sleep, and leave you feeling worried. If your child is complaining of ear pain, the NHS Pharmacy First service is here to help. Available through pharmacies in the Ealing area, including South Ealing Pharmacy, this service offers advice and care for minor health concerns like earaches.

With this guide, you’ll learn what causes earaches, how they’re treated, and how you can help your child feel better quickly.

Why Do Children Get Earaches?

Earaches are very common in children and can happen for different reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:

Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media): These often occur after a cold or sore throat when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. This fluid can cause pain and pressure.

Outer Ear Infections (Swimmer’s Ear): This happens when water gets trapped in the ear canal, leading to irritation and infection.

Blocked Earwax: Too much earwax can build up and press against the eardrum, causing discomfort.

Teething: The pain from teething can sometimes feel like it’s coming from the ear.

Foreign Objects: Young children may put small items in their ears out of curiosity, which can lead to pain or infection.

Changes in Air Pressure: Airplane trips or driving in the mountains can make ears feel uncomfortable due to pressure changes.

Signs your child might have an earache

Sometimes, children can’t explain what’s wrong. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Pulling or tugging at their ear
• Crying more than usual, especially when lying down
• Trouble sleeping
• Not responding to sounds or seeming off balance
• Fluid or pus coming from the ear
• A fever alongside ear pain

If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to seek advice.

What Is the NHS Pharmacy First Service?

The NHS Pharmacy First service is a quick and convenient way to get advice for minor health problems, including earaches. You can visit your local pharmacy, where a trained pharmacist will listen to your concerns, assess your child’s symptoms, and recommend the best course of action.

This service can save you from waiting for a GP appointment, and it’s available at many pharmacies, including South Ealing Pharmacy.

How can a pharmacist help with an earache?

Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can offer expert advice and suggest treatments for minor health problems. When you visit the NHS Pharmacy First service, the pharmacist will:

Ask About Symptoms: They’ll talk to you about your child’s symptoms to understand what might be causing the earache.

Recommend Treatment: This might include over-the-counter pain relief, eardrops, or advice on soothing the pain at home.

Provide Guidance: You’ll get tips on managing your child’s symptoms, such as when to use a warm compress or how to help them stay comfortable.

Refer to a GP if Needed: If the problem seems more serious, the pharmacist will advise you to see a doctor.

What can you do at home to help?

While waiting for treatment or as part of managing a mild earache, you can try these simple steps at home:

Use a Warm Compress: Hold a warm cloth against your child’s ear to ease the pain.

Keep Them Comfortable: Encourage them to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Follow the Pharmacist’s Advice: Use any suggested treatments as directed.

Monitor Their Symptoms: Keep an eye out for signs that the pain is getting worse or that a fever is developing.

When to seek more help

Most earaches get better on their own or with simple treatment, but sometimes they need more attention. You should contact a GP or NHS 111 if:

• The earache lasts more than a few days
• There’s fluid, blood, or pus coming from the ear
• Your child has a high fever or seems very unwell
• They’re having trouble hearing

Why use the NHS Pharmacy First Service?

The NHS Pharmacy First service is a great option for busy parents. You don’t need to book a GP appointment, and you can often get advice and treatment the same day. Plus, pharmacies are easy to access and open longer hours than many GP surgeries.

Book an Appointment Online

If your child has an earache, don’t wait. You can easily book an appointment online for the NHS Pharmacy First service at South Ealing Pharmacy. This makes it quick and simple to get advice from a pharmacist at a time that works for you.