What ear infection symptoms can Pharmacy First treat in children?
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The Pharmacy First Service can assess children with symptoms including:
Ear pain.
Ear discomfort.
Fever associated with earache.
Irritability related to ear symptoms.
Temporary hearing changes.
Ear symptoms following a cold.
Our clinician will assess your child’s symptoms and determine whether treatment can be provided through the service.
Can pharmacists treat an ear infection
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Yes.
Under the NHS Pharmacy First Service, trained pharmacists can assess eligible children with suspected middle ear infections and provide treatment where appropriate. This will be done after an in person assessment of the ear at our Kingston Upon Thames pharmacy where we serve patients from Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden, Twickenham, Richmond and across South West London.
Do I need a GP appointment for ear infections?
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No.
Eligible patients can access shingles assessment and treatment directly through the pharmacy without needing a GP appointment or referral.
Is Pharmacy First ear infection treatment free?
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Yes.
The consultation is free for eligible NHS patients.
Any medicines supplied to children are usually provided free of charge under normal NHS prescription arrangements for children.
What age range does the Pharmacy First ear infection service cover?
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The Pharmacy First ear infection service is available for eligible children and young people aged 1 to 17 years.
Our pharmacy team can confirm eligibility when you book or attend.
How do pharmacists decide if antibiotics are needed?
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Treatment decisions are based on factors such as:
Your child’s age.
Severity of symptoms.
Presence of fever.
Duration of illness.
Risk of complications.
Many children recover fully without antibiotics, so treatment is tailored to each individual case.
How long do ear infections usually last?
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Most childhood ear infections improve within a few days, and many resolve completely within a week without antibiotics.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or not improving as expected, further assessment may be needed.
Why do ear infections often happen after a cold?
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Colds can cause swelling and blockage of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose.
This can trap fluid behind the eardrum, creating an environment where infection may develop.
What if fluid comes out of my child's ear?
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Discharge from the ear can occur if the eardrum becomes inflamed or perforated.
If your child has ear discharge, they should be assessed by a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Can an ear infection affect my child's hearing?
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Temporary hearing changes are common during an ear infection because fluid can build up behind the eardrum.
In most cases, hearing returns to normal once the infection and inflammation have resolved
