Children’s Earache Treatment in Oxford
If your child is suffering from earache or you think they may have an ear infection, our pharmacists at Woodstock Road Chemist in Oxford may be able to help through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
Pharmacy First allows children and young people aged 1 to 17 years with suspected acute otitis media, a common middle ear infection, to be assessed by a community pharmacist without always needing to see a GP first.
Our pharmacist will assess your child’s symptoms, examine their ear where appropriate and determine the most suitable next step. This could include self-care advice, treatment to relieve symptoms or, where clinically appropriate, prescription treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First pathway.
Learn more about NHS Pharmacy First
What Causes Earache in Children?
Earache is particularly common in young children and can have several different causes. One of the most common is an infection of the middle ear, sometimes referred to as acute otitis media.
Ear infections can sometimes develop after illnesses such as colds and may cause pain, inflammation and discomfort inside the ear. Many ear infections improve on their own, although symptoms can sometimes continue for several days.
Because ear pain can have different causes, it is important not to rely on self-diagnosis. Our pharmacist can assess eligible children and advise you on the most appropriate course of action.
Signs Your Child May Have an Ear Infection
Older children may be able to tell you that their ear hurts, but recognising earache in younger children can sometimes be more difficult. Possible symptoms can include:
- Pain inside one or both ears
- Pulling, rubbing or holding the ear
- A high temperature
- Irritability or restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Being off their food
- Difficulty hearing or not responding to some sounds
- Problems with balance
- Fluid or discharge from the ear
These symptoms do not always mean that your child has an ear infection, which is why an assessment from a healthcare professional can be helpful.
Earache Treatment Through NHS Pharmacy First
The NHS Pharmacy First service has been designed to make it easier for patients to access appropriate healthcare through their local community pharmacy.
For suspected acute otitis media, the Pharmacy First clinical pathway applies to children and young people aged 1 to 17 years.
1. Speak to Our Pharmacy Team
Tell us about your child’s symptoms, how long they have been experiencing them and any other relevant health information.
2. Pharmacist Assessment
Our pharmacist will assess your child and may examine inside their ear where appropriate. This helps them determine whether the symptoms may be consistent with an ear infection and whether Pharmacy First is suitable.
3. Advice and Treatment
Depending on the assessment, the pharmacist may recommend self-care, appropriate pain relief or other treatment. If the NHS clinical criteria are met, prescription treatment may be supplied without requiring a separate GP prescription.
4. Follow-Up Advice
We’ll explain what to expect, how to manage your child’s symptoms and when you should seek further medical attention if their condition does not improve or becomes worse.
Does My Child Need Antibiotics for an Ear Infection?
Not necessarily. Many childhood ear infections improve without antibiotics, and antibiotics are not always the most appropriate treatment.
Our pharmacist will follow the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway to decide what care is suitable for your child. Where the relevant clinical criteria are met, appropriate prescription treatment may be supplied.
Where antibiotics are not needed, you will be given advice about managing your child’s symptoms and what signs to look out for during their recovery.
Helping Your Child With Earache at Home
There are some simple things you can do to help make your child more comfortable while they recover:
- Use suitable children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen where appropriate and according to the product instructions.
- A warm flannel placed gently against the affected ear may help ease discomfort.
- Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid putting cotton buds or other objects inside the ear.
- Avoid trying to remove earwax yourself while your child is experiencing ear pain.
If you are unsure which medicines are suitable for your child, speak to our pharmacy team before giving them treatment.
When Should I Seek Further Medical Help?
While many cases of childhood earache can be managed through community pharmacy, some symptoms may require further medical assessment.
Seek medical advice if your child becomes significantly unwell, develops swelling around the ear, has fluid coming from the ear, experiences a noticeable change in hearing, has a very high temperature or their symptoms are becoming worse.
Our pharmacists are trained to recognise when Pharmacy First may not be suitable. If your child needs another healthcare service, we will explain the appropriate next steps.
Children’s Earache Treatment in Oxford
If your child is experiencing ear pain, visit Woodstock Road Chemist for convenient access to professional advice through NHS Pharmacy First.
Our pharmacists can assess eligible children aged 1 to 17 with suspected acute otitis media and provide appropriate advice or treatment in line with the NHS clinical pathway.
With convenient local access in Oxford, Pharmacy First can help your child receive the right care without automatically needing to arrange a GP appointment first.
Further Information About Children’s Earache
You can find additional information about earache and ear infections on the NHS website: