Acute otitis Media

👂 NHS Pharmacy First – Ear Infection Assessment & Treatment

🩺 Ear Infection (Acute Otitis Media) – NHS Service

An ear infection (acute otitis media) is a common condition, especially in children. It occurs when the middle ear becomes inflamed, often following a cold or upper respiratory infection.

👂 Symptoms can include ear pain, fever, irritability, and temporary hearing changes.

🏥 Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, eligible patients can be assessed and treated by a pharmacist without needing a GP appointment.

👥 Who Can Use This Service?

This service may be suitable if:

✅ The patient is aged 1 to 17 years

✅ Symptoms started within the last 7 days

✅ Symptoms are mild to moderate

✅ There are no signs of complications

🩺 A pharmacist will carry out a structured clinical assessment to confirm whether treatment can be provided.

📌 Important Age Criteria

The NHS Pharmacy First ear infection pathway is designed for children and young people aged 1–17.

👨‍⚕️ Adults with ear pain or suspected infection should contact their GP or NHS 111 for assessment.

If symptoms relate to blocked ears rather than infection, an ear wax removal service may be more appropriate.

👉 View Ear Wax Removal Service

🔍 Common Symptoms

Children with an ear infection may experience:

👂 Ear pain or discomfort

🌡️ Fever or raised temperature

👂 Reduced hearing

😴 Disturbed sleep or irritability

🖐️ Pulling or rubbing the ear

Most cases improve on their own, but assessment helps determine whether treatment is needed.

💊 How Prescriptions Pharmacy Can Help

Following assessment, the pharmacist may:

🩺 Carry out a full clinical consultation

💊 Supply antibiotics if clinically appropriate

🌡️ Provide advice on managing pain and fever

💬 Offer reassurance and self‑care guidance

📤 Refer to GP or urgent care where necessary

🔒 All consultations take place in a private consultation room.

⚠️ When to Seek Further Medical Help

You should seek urgent medical advice if:

❌ There is discharge from the ear

❌ Swelling or redness develops behind the ear

❌ The child appears very unwell or unusually drowsy

❌ Symptoms are severe or worsening

❌ Symptoms last longer than 7 days

If needed, we will ensure safe onward referral.

📅 Appointments & Access

📱 Appointments recommended (walk‑ins may be available)

⏱️ Quick and convenient assessments

💙 FREE on the NHS for eligible patients

Book your ear infection consultation

🌟 Why Choose Prescriptions Pharmacy?

✔️ NHS Pharmacy First provider

✔️ Convenient access without GP delays

✔️ Structured clinical assessment by trained pharmacists

✔️ Prompt treatment and safety‑netting advice

✔️ Professional, confidential environment

🔗 Other NHS Pharmacy First Services

🩺 Shingles

🩺 Insect bites and stings

🩺 Impetigo

🩺 Sinusitis

🩺 Sore throat

🩺 Urinary tract infection (UTI)

📘 Learn More About Ear Infections

👉 Learn more about ear infections on the NHS website

Book Appointment

Sore throat

Impetigo

Insect Bite

Shingles

The Pharmacy First service builds on the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service which has run since October 2019. The consultation service enables patients to be referred into community pharmacy for a minor illness or an urgent repeat medicine supply.

If your child has pain in the ear, they may have an infection (Otitis Media). Bring them into the Pharmacy to speak to the Pharmacist. This service is for children aged one year to seventeen years.

Patients aged one year and above can receive treatment for impetigo. This includes patients who have recurrent impetigo. If you think you or your child has impetigo, visit the Pharmacy today.

Patients aged one year and over who have an infected insect bite can receive support from the Pharmacist and team. If you have been bitten and the bite area is red, itchy, tender or swollen, visit the pharmacy today.

This service is available for adults aged 18 years and over. Patients presenting with shingles could be eligible for medication supply.

This service is available for adults and children aged 12 years of age and over. If you are suffering with a blocked nose and sinus pain the Pharmacist and their team will be able to help.

Adults and children over five years of age can access support from the Pharmacist and team if they have a sore throat alongside a fever.

This service is available to women aged 16 to 64 years with a suspected lower urinary tract infection. If you have burning when passing urine, needing to urinate during the night or your urine is cloudy you may be eligible for the pharmacy first service where the pharmacist can provide medication.

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