Barlborough Pharmacy Ear Infection (Acute Otitis Media)
Fast NHS help for children aged 1–17 years via Pharmacy First
Acute otitis media is a middle ear infection that causes inflammation, pain, and pressure inside the ear. It is very common in children and often follows a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Most cases improve within a few days, but symptoms can be painful and may affect sleep, hearing, and general comfort.
What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows you to get treatment for common conditions directly from a community pharmacy without needing a GP appointment.
At our pharmacy, our trained pharmacists can assess your symptoms in a private consultation and provide treatment where appropriate, or refer you for further care if needed.
This service helps you get faster access to treatment and reduces waiting times for GP appointments.
Who can use this service?
- Children aged 1 to 17 years
- Patients showing symptoms of an ear infection
- Those who do not require emergency hospital treatment
Common symptoms of ear infection
- Ear pain (mild to severe)
- Pulling or rubbing the ear (especially in children)
- Fever or raised temperature
- Muffled hearing or temporary hearing loss
- Irritability, crying, or disturbed sleep
- Fluid coming from the ear in some cases
How Pharmacy First treatment works
- Visit us at the pharmacy (no appointment needed)
- Speak to a trained pharmacist in a private consultation room
- Your symptoms are assessed clinically
- Treatment is provided if appropriate
- If needed, we will refer you to a GP or urgent care service
Do ear infections need antibiotics?
Not always. Many ear infections are caused by viruses and will improve on their own within a few days.
Antibiotics are only used when symptoms suggest a bacterial infection or when symptoms are severe or not improving.
When to seek urgent medical help
- Severe ear pain that does not improve
- High fever that persists
- Swelling or redness behind the ear
- Child becomes very drowsy or unusually unwell
- No improvement after 3–5 days
Benefits of Pharmacy First
- No GP appointment required
- Fast access to NHS care
- Private consultation with our pharmacist
- Clinical assessment and treatment where appropriate
- Convenient local service
Book online or visit us today
You can visit us at the pharmacy for a same-day assessment, or book an appointment online for a time that suits you.
Booking online helps reduce waiting time and ensures a pharmacist is ready to see you when you arrive.
If you are unsure, contact us and we can advise you before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What is acute otitis media?
Acute otitis media is a middle ear infection that causes pain, inflammation, and sometimes temporary hearing loss.
It is most common in children and often develops after a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Can ear infections be treated at a pharmacy?
Yes, under the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat ear infections in children aged 1 to 17 years.
Treatment may be provided where appropriate, or we may refer you if further care is needed.
Do ear infections always need antibiotics?
No, many ear infections are viral and clear without antibiotics within a few days.
Antibiotics are only used when clinically necessary based on symptoms and severity.
How long does an ear infection last?
Most ear infections improve within 3 to 7 days.
Pain and fever usually improve earlier, while mild hearing changes may take slightly longer to resolve.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Seek urgent help if symptoms worsen, severe pain develops, or the child becomes very unwell or unusually drowsy.
You should also seek help if symptoms do not improve after a few days or if swelling appears behind the ear.
Book an appointment
- 11-13 High Street, Barlborough S43 4EY
- 01246 813700
- Chat on Whatsapp
- Send an email
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