Earache

How long earache lasts

How long earache lasts depends on what's causing it. Most earaches in children are caused by an ear infection, which usually start to improve after a few days.

Symptoms of earache in babies and young children

A young child might have earache if they:

rub or pull their ear
do not react to some sounds
have a temperature of 38C or above
are irritable or restless
are off their food
keep losing their balance

Earache and ear pain can affect 1 or both ears.

How to treat earache yourself

Most earaches get better on their own but get medical help if symptoms do not improve within 2 to 3 days.

Get help sooner if you're worried about other symptoms, such as a high temperature or fluid leaking from the ear.

There are some things you can do to help relieve earache and ear pain.

Do

use painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 should not take aspirin)
place a warm flannel on the ear

Don't

do not put anything inside your ear, such as cotton buds
do not try to remove earwax
do not let water get inside your ear

Some painkillers are not safe for everyone (for example, if you're pregnant). Always check the leaflet or get medical advice before taking them.

A pharmacist can help with earaches

A pharmacist can tell you:

what you can do to treat earache yourself
if you can buy anything to help (for example, eardrops)
if you need to see a GP
if they can treat an infection of the middle ear in children aged 1 to 17

They can provide some treatments if you need it without you seeing a GP.

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

you or your child keep getting earache

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You or your child have earache and:

have had it for more than 2 to 3 days
become generally unwell
have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
have swelling around the ear
have fluid coming from the ear
have hearing loss or a change in hearing
have something stuck in the ear
your child is under 2 and has earache in both ears

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old.

What causes earache and pain

Earache and pain is often caused by an ear infection but there are lots of possible causes.

Do not try to diagnose the cause yourself.

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