Earache

Earache Treatment at Exwick Pharmacy, Exeter

Earache is a common and often painful condition that can affect people of all ages, though it is particularly prevalent in young children. It can result from a number of causes including middle ear infections, outer ear infections, a build-up of earwax, a perforated eardrum, or referred pain from the jaw or teeth. At Exwick Pharmacy on New Valley Rd, Exeter, we provide a clinical assessment and treatment service for earache under the NHS Pharmacy First programme, helping patients across EX4 and the wider Exeter area get the care they need quickly.

NHS Pharmacy First Earache Service at Exwick

The most common cause of earache in children is acute otitis media, an infection of the middle ear that often follows a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms typically include a sharp or dull pain in one or both ears, difficulty hearing, irritability in young children, and sometimes a fever or discharge from the ear. While many ear infections resolve on their own, some require antibiotic treatment, and our pharmacist is trained to assess which category your case falls into.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, our pharmacist at Exwick Pharmacy can assess patients aged one year and over with earache. We will take a history of your symptoms, examine the ear using an otoscope where appropriate, and apply clinical decision-making tools to determine whether antibiotics are indicated. If treatment is needed, it can be dispensed on the same day, saving you the time and inconvenience of waiting for a GP appointment.

Caring for Your Ears After Treatment

For earache that does not require antibiotics, our pharmacist will advise on effective self-care measures including appropriate pain relief, the use of a warm flannel held against the ear for comfort, and advice on what to do if symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days. We will always provide clear guidance on the warning signs that should prompt you to seek further medical attention.

Exwick Pharmacy is well positioned to serve patients from Exwick, St Thomas, Redhills, and across the greater Exeter EX4 area. Earache can be very uncomfortable and distressing, particularly for young children, and we are committed to providing a fast, compassionate, and clinically sound service that gives parents and patients the support they need without unnecessary delays.

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Useful Links:

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NHS Earache

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Frequently Asked Question

Can I bring my toddler to Exwick Pharmacy for earache?

Yes, the NHS Pharmacy First earache service is available for patients aged one year and over. Our pharmacist will conduct a gentle and thorough assessment suitable for young children.

Will my child definitely need antibiotics for an ear infection?

Not necessarily. Many ear infections are viral and resolve without antibiotics. Our pharmacist will assess the likely cause and severity and advise accordingly, following the latest NHS clinical guidance.

Is the earache consultation free?

Yes, the NHS Pharmacy First consultation is free. If antibiotics are prescribed, standard NHS prescription charges apply unless the patient is exempt.

What if there is discharge coming from the ear?

Ear discharge can be a sign of a perforated eardrum. Please mention this to our pharmacist during your consultation, as it may affect the assessment and choice of treatment.

How long should earache last before I seek treatment?

If earache is severe, accompanied by a high fever, or has persisted for more than two to three days without improvement, we recommend visiting Exwick Pharmacy for an assessment rather than waiting further.