CALL 999 if any of the following are present

• Your child has a headache, stiff neck and light hurts their eyes and/or is very sleepy and confused?

CALL 111  OR SEE YOUR EMERGENCY GP if any of the following are present

• Your child has injured their ear or stuck something into it
• Your is child very distressed, with pain that has not been helped by painkillers such as paediatric paracetamol oral suspension (available from pharmacists)
• There yellow or blood-stained liquid (a discharge) coming from the ear
• Your child has a rash
• You think your child is getting worse
• Your child has lumps behind their ear

IF NONE OF THE ABOVE APPLY…

It is safe to manage this problem yourself at home.  Earache is a common and unpleasant symptom in childhood. Most ear infections will clear up on their own and without antibiotics.   There are ways you can help relieve the symptoms.

• A painkiller, such as paediatric paracetamol oral suspension (available from pharmacists), will help relieve the pain.
• Place your child in an upright position with pillows.
• Keep your child away from smoky environments.
• Don’t let your child drink from a bottle while they are lying down.
• Don’t give decongestants as they will not help to relieve symptoms.
• Never poke any objects into the ear (for example, cotton buds) as they often pack the wax tighter and can damage the ear.
• Avoid swimming or getting water in the ear until pain has subsided.
• If the condition gets worse or new symptoms develop, Call 111
• If you are still worried, call Call 111