PHARMACY FIRST
Earache
Earache is a common condition that we have surely all faced at some point. Whether it's severe, painful earache or simply mild and irritating. This condition is now covered by the free, NHS Pharmacy First service.
Widnes Pharmacy - Helping the local community in Widnes, Cronton, Hale, Daresbury, Moore, Great Sankey and beyond.
Age range
1 to 17 years
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Quick access to assessment through Pharmacy First
Earache & Early Care
Welcome to Widnes Pharmacy, your local healthcare partner in the heart of Widnes. We have been serving the communities of Widnes, Cronton, Hale, Daresbury, Moore, and Great Sankey with quality pharmaceutical services for many years. Our team of dedicated and knowledgeable pharmacists are here to provide you with the best possible care and support for all your healthcare needs. From prescribed medications to over-the-counter remedies, we have you covered. Trust Widnes Pharmacy for all your health and wellness needs.
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Earache Symptoms
The main symptom of earache is pain in and around the ear. Ear pain will in almost every case of earache be the main symptom. Accompanying symptoms will then vary depending on what is causing your earache.
Obvious symptoms to look out for include discharge from the ear which is indicative of an infection. This can be a massive sign, especially for young children who won’t be able to spot an infection themselves. If you think your child has earache book an appointment via the new NHS Pharmacy First service.
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Pain inside the ear
A high temperature
Being sick
A lack of energy
Difficulty hearing
Discharge running out of the ear
A feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
Itching and irritation in and around the ear
Scaly skin in and around the ear
Common causes
In children, the exact cause of earache can sometimes be difficult to identify, and pharmacist assessment may help with evaluation. In adults, earache is often associated with bacterial ear infections, which can be painful and may require treatment.
Earache in young children can be linked to teething.
Excess earwax build-up or a foreign object in the ear may cause pain and discomfort.
In adults, earache is often associated with bacterial ear infections.
Dental problems, including tooth infections or impacted wisdom teeth, can also cause ear pain due to their close proximity to the ear.
What you should know
Earache is a common condition that can range from mild discomfort to more painful infections. Understanding how it can be treated and when complications may occur can help you seek the right care at the right time.
Treatment
Mild earache may be relieved with over-the-counter treatments and simple home remedies, such as applying a warm flannel to the affected ear.
More severe cases may require prescription treatment, including antibiotics where appropriate.
A pharmacist consultation can help identify the likely cause of your symptoms and recommend the most suitable treatment.
Possible Complications
Although earache itself is not usually serious, untreated infections can occasionally lead to complications.
Inflammation, ear infections and perforated eardrums may affect hearing.
Symptoms can range from temporary tinnitus (ringing in the ears) to, in rare cases, partial hearing loss.
Seeking timely advice and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.