NHS information · Head

Worried about ear infections?

Get a structured summary of relevant NHS information in about 60 seconds. Know what it might be, when to see a GP, and what you can do at home.

  • Describe your specific ear infections symptoms
  • See related NHS information and possible causes
  • Get urgency guidance based on NHS resources
Check my symptoms
Based on NHS resources·Free·No signup required·~60 seconds

This page summarises publicly available NHS information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

What is ear infections?

Ear infections are common, especially in children. The most common type (middle ear infection) causes earache, fever, hearing changes, and sometimes discharge. Most clear up within 3 to 5 days without antibiotics. Outer ear infections (swimmer's ear) cause pain, itching, and sometimes discharge from the ear canal and may need ear drops.

When NHS resources suggest seeing a GP

  • Your child is aged 1 to 17 years, and you think they have an ear infection.
  • A pharmacist can give children the same treatments as a GP for an ear infection. They can also give advice or direct you to other medical help.
  • Your child is under 12 months old and you think they have an ear infection.
  • You have earache that does not get better after 3 days.
  • You or your child keep getting ear infections.
  • You or your child have symptoms of an ear infection and.
Not sure which category you're in?
Describe your specific situation for tailored NHS information.
Check my symptoms →

Self-care information from NHS

  • Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 should not take aspirin).
  • Remove any discharge by wiping the ear with cotton wool.
  • Do not put anything inside your ear to remove earwax, such as cotton buds or your finger.
  • Do not let water or shampoo get in your ear.
  • Do not go swimming while you have an ear infection.
  • Do not use decongestants or antihistamines – there's no evidence they help with ear infections.
  • Your child is aged 1 to 17 years, and you think they have an ear infection.
  • A pharmacist can give children the same treatments as a GP for an ear infection. They can also give advice or direct you to other medical help.

Common questions

Do ear infections need antibiotics?

Most ear infections clear on their own within 3 days and don't need antibiotics. Antibiotics may be given if symptoms are severe, last more than 3 days, or if the person is under 2 with infections in both ears. Pain relief is the main treatment.

How can I ease earache at home?

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose. A warm (not hot) flannel held against the ear can help. Avoid putting anything into the ear — including cotton buds or oils — unless advised by a GP or pharmacist.

When should I see a GP about an ear infection?

See a GP if symptoms last more than 3 days, pain is severe, there's discharge from the ear, hearing is affected, or if a child under 2 has earache in both ears. Recurrent infections also need review.

Get personalised NHS information

Describe your specific situation and receive a structured summary of relevant NHS information, tailored to your age, gender, and symptoms.

Check my symptoms

Free · ~60 seconds · Not medical advice

Related head topics

Headache
common types, when to see a GP, and self-care steps. Free reference from NorMed.
Headache at Night
Why do you get headaches at night? NHS-based information about nighttime headaches, common causes, and when to seek help.
Dizziness
what causes it, when it's serious, and practical self-care steps.
Sore Throat
causes, home remedies, when to see a GP, and when antibiotics might help.
Fatigue and Tiredness
why you feel tired all the time, possible causes, and when to see a GP.
Migraine
symptoms, triggers, treatment options, and when to see a GP.
Earache
common causes, home remedies, when to see a GP, and ear infection signs.
Feeling Faint or Lightheaded
common causes, when it's serious, and what to do.
Browse all NHS conditions
105+ conditions organised by body area
View A-Z →

This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation. NorMed organises publicly available NHS information and is not affiliated with the NHS.