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Earache

Earache and ear pain is common, particularly in young children. It can be painful but is not usually a sign of anything serious.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Earache and ear pain is common, particularly in young children. It can be painful but is not usually a sign of anything serious.

How long earache lasts

It 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

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)

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.

See a pharmacist if:

  • your child is aged 1 to 17 years and you think they need help for earache

A pharmacist can give children the same treatments as a GP for earache or an ear infection. They can also give advice or direct you to other medical help.

See a GP if:

  • your child is under 12 months old and you think they need help for earache
  • you have earache that lasts for more than 3 days
  • you or your child keep getting earache

What causes earache and pain

Earache and pain can be caused by many things, but sometimes it's not known by what.

Symptoms of earache and the possible causes

Symptoms Possible condition

Ear pain with toothache

Children teething, dental abscess

Ear pain with change in hearing

Glue ear, earwax build-up, an object stuck in the ear (do not try to remove it yourself – see a GP), perforated eardrum (particularly after a loud noise or accident)

Ear pain with pain when swallowing

Sore throat, tonsillitis, quinsy (a complication of tonsillitis)

Ear pain with a fever

Ear infection, flu, cold

Consult with a doctor about Earache

Consult with a doctor about Earache

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Earache

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Earache with a doctor online.

5.0 (2)
Doctor

Alexander Nazarchuk

Allergology 7 years exp.

Dr. Alexander Nazarchuk is a physician specialising in allergology and internal medicine. He provides online consultations for adults, following the principles of evidence-based medicine — no outdated treatments or unnecessary tests, with clear explanations and a personalised approach. He helps patients with a wide range of allergic and therapeutic conditions, from common day-to-day complaints to complex cases involving allergies, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular concerns, respiratory symptoms, and more.

You can consult Dr. Nazarchuk for:

  • Test interpretation and guidance on diagnostic plans.
  • Allergic rhinitis, hay fever, bronchial asthma (including severe cases).
  • Food and drug allergies, skin rashes, angioedema.
  • Atopic dermatitis, urticaria, contact allergies.
  • Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) – initiation and ongoing management.
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, nausea, heartburn.
  • High blood pressure and adjustment of baseline antihypertensive therapy.
  • Hyperlipidaemia and elevated cholesterol.
  • Cough, nasal congestion, fever, sore throat.
  • Anaemia, including iron deficiency and related conditions.
  • Other issues related to allergology and internal medicine.

During consultations, Dr. Nazarchuk takes a thorough, structured approach — analysing symptoms, identifying potential causes, and helping patients make informed decisions. Whether treatment, further investigation, or monitoring is needed, he explains each step clearly so you understand your health and how best to manage it.

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€55
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