This advice is intended for parents/carers taking their child home after consulting a doctor. Your doctor may recommend different treatments depending on your child's condition. |
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This advice is intended for parents/carers taking their child home after consulting a doctor. Your doctor may recommend different treatments depending on your child's condition. |
Most children with otitis media (earache) do no require treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics rarely speed up recovery and often cause side effects such as rash and diarrhoea. They will also promote the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria in your child.
Antibiotics are usually only considered if your child:
In addition, if your child has any features of severe infection (red or amber features as described below), they will need to be urgently assessed by a healthcare professional.
You can help relieve symptoms by:
Is it not possible to prevent ear infections; however, you can do things that may reduce your child's chances of developing the condition:
If your child has any of the following:
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You need urgent help. Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Department or phone 999 |
If your child has any of the following:
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You need to contact a doctor or nurse today. Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111 |
If none of the above features are present Continue providing your child’s care at home. |
Self care Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111 |
Content adapted with permission from the what0-18.nhs.uk resource produced by the Healthier Together initiative
Last reviewed: 16 November 2020
Next review: 21 June 2023
Author(s): Dr Geetika Kumar, Healthier Together