Ear Infection
Ear infections are very common, especially in children. They often get better on their own in three days.
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Common Symptoms
Ear infections start quickly and include:
- Pain inside the ear
- Temperature of 38c or more
- Being sick
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty hearing
- Discharge running from the ear
- Feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
- Itching and irritation in and around the ear
- Scaly skin in and around the ear
Treatment at home
- Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (see a pharmacist)
- Place a warm or cold flannel on the ear
- Remove any discharge by wiping the ear with cotton wool
When should I book a GP?
- You have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
- Earache that does not start to get better after 3 days
- Swelling around the ear
- Fluid coming from the ear
- Hearing loss or a change in hearing/ new ringing sound in the ear
- Other symptoms, like being sick, a severe sore throat or dizziness
- Regular ear infections
- Along-term medical condition – such as diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease
- A weakened immune system – because of chemotherapy, for example
