Earache

Your HealthEarache is a common problem, particularly in children. It can be worrying, but it's usually only caused by a minor infection and will often get better in a few days without treatment.

Earache can be a sharp, dull or burning ear pain that comes and goes or is constant. One or both ears may be affected.

When to contact your GP

It's not always necessary to see your GP if you or your child have earache. The pain will often improve in a few days and there are things you can do to help in the meantime. The NHS Website has helpful advice for managing earache at home.

You should contact your GP or local out-of-hours service if:

  • you or your child also have other symptoms, such as a high temperature (fever), vomiting, a severe sore throat, swelling around the ear, or discharge from the ear
  • there is something stuck in your or your child's ear
  • the earache doesn't improve within a few days