Who this is for
Children aged 1 to 17. If you fall outside this, we can still give advice and point you to the right care.
About earache
Acute otitis media (a middle ear infection) frequently follows a cold. Most cases settle within about 3 days without antibiotics, so pain relief is usually the most important part of treatment.
Symptoms and what to look out for
Common signs include:
- Ear pain, or a young child tugging, rubbing or holding their ear
- A raised temperature
- Being irritable or restless, or feeding and sleeping poorly
- Reduced hearing or a feeling of pressure or fullness
- Fluid or discharge draining from the ear
- Sometimes loss of balance
Following NICE guidance, the pharmacist uses an otoscope to look inside the ear. Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is the mainstay; antibiotics are supplied only where the criteria are met.
When to get help urgently
Seek urgent help
See help urgently if:
- There is swelling, redness or tenderness behind the ear
- The pain is severe, or lasts more than 3 days
- Your child is under 1, or is very unwell
- There is a stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade when pressed
- Something is stuck in the ear
Swelling behind the ear or a very unwell child needs urgent assessment — call NHS 111, or 999 if serious.
What to expect from the consultation
You will be seen in our private consultation room — a room with a door, not the shop floor. The consultation itself is always free.
- The pharmacist will ask about symptoms and use an otoscope to examine the ear.
- They will explain whether it is likely to settle on its own.
- You will get pain-relief advice, and antibiotics only where appropriate.
- If it is outside the age range or needs a GP, we will refer you.
If we supply a medicine and you pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies — the same as at your GP. If you are exempt from prescription charges, it is free.
Book a consultation
Book a earache consultation
Choose how you would like to be seen. Both options use our online calendar — pick a time that suits you. Walk-ins are welcome too.
Phone consultation
Speak to a pharmacist over the phone. Good for advice and for situations that may not need a physical examination.
Face-to-face at the pharmacy
Come in and be seen in our private consultation room at 44 Malabar Road. Best if we may need to examine you.
Prefer to talk to us first? Call 0116 360 2000.
Sources
The information on this page is based on current NHS and NICE guidance for Pharmacy First:
- NHS — Ear infections
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries — Otitis media (acute)
- NHS — Pharmacy First service
Guidance reviewed for this page in September 2026. Always follow the advice of the pharmacist who assesses you.
This page is general information
It isn't a substitute for advice from a pharmacist or doctor about your own health. Please read our disclaimer. If you're unwell and need urgent help, call NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.