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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 (76)
Doctor

Tarek Agami

General medicine 11 years exp.

Dr. Tarek Agami is a general practitioner registered in both Portugal and Israel, with broad experience in family and preventive medicine. He offers online consultations for adults and children, providing personalised support for primary care needs, chronic disease management, and everyday health concerns.

Dr. Agami received clinical training and worked in leading medical institutions in Israel (Kaplan Medical Center, Barzilai Medical Center, Wolfson Medical Center) and Portugal (European Healthcare City, Viscura Internacional, Hospital Dr. José Maria Grande, Hospital Vila Franca de Xira). His approach combines international medical standards with individualised attention to each patient.

Main areas of consultation:

  • Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory infections, cardiovascular symptoms)
  • Evaluation of symptoms and guidance on further diagnostic testing
  • Preventive check-ups and regular health monitoring
  • Medical support during travel or after relocation
  • Treatment adjustments and lifestyle recommendations based on your personal history
Dr. Agami provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic or Mounjaro) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Portugal and Israel.

Dr. Agami is committed to evidence-based, patient-centred care, ensuring that each person receives trusted medical support tailored to their health goals.

0.0 (0)
Doctor

Chikeluo Okeke

General medicine 4 years exp.

Dr Chikeluo Okeke is an internal medicine doctor with extensive international clinical experience. Originally from Nigeria, he has worked across multiple European healthcare systems and currently practises in Sweden. This professional path has given him a strong understanding of different medical approaches and the ability to work effectively with patients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Dr Okeke focuses on general internal medicine and adult primary care, combining clinical accuracy with careful attention to lifestyle, personal context, and everyday health concerns. His consultations are particularly well suited for people who seek medical advice online, live abroad, or need clear guidance without unnecessary complexity.

He provides online consultations covering symptom assessment, prevention, and long-term management of chronic conditions, helping patients understand what is happening and decide on appropriate next steps.

Common reasons for consultation:

  • General internal medicine concerns and initial health assessment.
  • Acute symptoms such as fever, cough, infections, pain, or weakness.
  • Chronic conditions and treatment adjustment.
  • Blood pressure issues, fatigue, metabolic concerns.
  • Preventive consultations and routine check-ups.
  • Interpretation of laboratory results and medical reports.
  • Medical advice for patients receiving care online.

Dr Okeke is known for his clear communication, calm approach, and cultural awareness. He listens carefully, explains medical decisions in a structured way, and supports patients in making informed choices about their health.

Online consultations with Dr Chikeluo Okeke offer reliable internal medicine care without geographic limitations, focused on medical relevance, clarity, and patient comfort.

5.0 (74)
Doctor

Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicine 18 years exp.

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

0.0 (0)
Doctor

Hocine Lokchiri

General medicine 21 years exp.

Dr. Hocine Lokchiri is a French consultant with over 20 years of experience in General and Emergency Medicine. He works with adults and children, helping patients with urgent symptoms, infections, sudden health changes and everyday medical concerns that require timely evaluation. His background includes clinical practice in France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, which allows him to navigate different healthcare systems and manage a wide range of conditions with confidence. Patients value his calm, structured approach, clear explanations and evidence-based decision-making.

Online consultations with Dr. Lokchiri are suitable for many situations when someone needs quick medical guidance, reassurance or a clear next step. Common reasons for booking include:

  • fever, chills, fatigue and viral symptoms
  • cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, breathing discomfort
  • bronchitis and mild asthma flare-ups
  • nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, digestive infections
  • rashes, allergic reactions, redness, insect bites
  • muscle or joint pain, mild injuries, sprains
  • headache, dizziness, migraine symptoms
  • stress-related symptoms, sleep disturbances
  • questions about test results and treatment plans
  • management of chronic conditions in stable phases
Many patients reach out when symptoms appear suddenly and cause concern, when a child becomes unwell unexpectedly, when a rash changes or spreads, or when it’s unclear whether an in-person examination is necessary. His emergency medicine background is particularly valuable online, helping patients understand risk levels, identify warning signs and choose safe next steps.

Some situations are not suitable for online care. If a patient has loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, major trauma or symptoms suggesting a stroke or heart attack, he will advise seeking immediate local emergency services. This improves safety and ensures patients receive the right level of care.

Dr. Lokchiri’s professional training includes:

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
  • Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS/ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
  • eFAST and critical care transthoracic echocardiography
  • aviation medicine
He is an active member of several professional organisations, including the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Association for Emergency Physicians (AMUF) and the Swiss Society of Emergency and Rescue Medicine (SGNOR). In consultations, he works with clarity and precision, helping patients understand their symptoms, possible risks and the safest treatment options.
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