When should I see a doctor about an earache?

When should I see a doctor about an earache?

Earache and ear pain affect both children and adults. It is particularly common in young children. About three-quarters of ear infections happen in children under 10 years of age.

What causes earache?

There are many causes. But most earaches are caused by a virus. So antibiotics do not help. Many of these episodes are due to an infection in the ‘middle ear’ called otitis media.

  Some of the causes of earache

Tell me more about the symptoms, spread and treatment of earache.

Symptoms of earache

Earache usually comes quite rapidly and the pain can be quite severe. The severe pain generally lasts only a day or 2. It is not usually a sign of anything serious.

Earache and ear pain can affect one or both ears.

The main symptoms of earache are:

• Severe pain (caused by the pressure of mucus on the eardrum)
• A high temperature – 38 degrees Celsius or above
• Slight hearing loss

A sore throat can also cause earache.

If there is no fever or temperature, the earache may be caused by a wax blockage or glue ear. Glue ear is where the empty middle part of the ear canal fills up with fluid.

Sometimes the pressure can cause the eardrum to burst and fluid may come out of the ear. Do not worry if this happens. Keep the ear dry and contact your GP or pharmacist.

Symptoms of earache in babies and young children

Most earaches in children are caused by viral infections that will clear up by themselves in 3 to 4 days.

A young child with earache might also:

• Have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
• Rub or pull their ear
• Not react to some sounds
• Be irritable or restless
• Not want to eat
• Keep losing their balance.

Does earache spread?

No, not usually.

What is the treatment for earache?

Usually, pain relief is the only treatment needed for earache and ear pain.

You can take over-the-counter medicines to help with the pain and high temperature. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Antibiotics will not reduce the pain of most ear infections. Do not take antibiotics for an ear infection unless your GP prescribes them.

Do’s

• Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)

Don’ts

• Do not put anything inside your ear, such as cotton buds
• Do not try to remove earwax

When to contact your GP

Usually, you do not need to contact your GP if you have an earache.

Contact your GP if your earache does not improve within 3 to 4 days.

You should also contact your GP if you have an earache and:

• Dizziness
• Severe headache
• Fluid, blood or discharge coming from your ear
• If it has not started to get better after a week.

Summary

We have described when should I see a doctor about an earache. We hope you understand it better now.

Last Reviewed on 12 March 2024