Advice for Parents and Carers
Advice for parents and carers after remote assessment for earache
Ear infections are extremely common in children. They are caused by either an infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation and a build-up of fluid (otitis media) or by an infection of the skin of the ear canal (otitis externa). Otitis externa is also known as ‘swimmers ear’ because it occurs more commonly when water enters the ear canal. Although most children with otitis media and otitis externa need no specific treatment, they will need to seen by a healthcare professional if they have pus coming out of their ear, in order to decide if treatment is required.
Symptoms of otitis media:
Earache
Fever may be present
Misery
Pulling, tugging or rubbing ear
Slight hearing loss
In most cases, the symptoms of otitis media develop quickly and get better by themselves in a few days. In some cases pus may run out of the ear, this is the fluid that had built up behind the ear drum causing a small hole in the eardrum; this tends to heal up by itself.
Symptoms of otitis externa:
Pain and tenderness in the ear canal
Itchiness
Foul smelling yellow or green pus in the ear canal
Fever
Reduced hearing
Noises inside the ear, such as buzzing, humming or ringing (tinnitus)
Otitis externa is usually one sided (unilateral)
If your child has any of the following:
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
If your child has any of the following:
Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk
If none of the above features are present
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, contact NHS 111 – dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk
What do I do if I am worried my child has sepsis?
Remember most children with fevers or who are unwell, don’t have sepsis
Tests
There is no one test to see if your child has sepsis. The tests to look for the infection will vary depending on their age, symptoms and medical history. They can include blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays and occasionally lumbar puncture (needle in the back to collect spinal fluid)
Your healthcare team should talk to you about any tests or procedures they would like to do, what will happen and what they are for
Remember
If you're worried that your child or baby is not getting better, still seems unwell or is not themselves, you should talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional. It is important to ask for advice if you're worried, even if you have already seen a doctor, are still having treatment, or are back home. This is because the problems caused by sepsis can come on very quickly, and you may need more (or different) treatment. You should always feel that you can ask questions at any point in your care.
Symptoms of sepsis - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Sepsis: what to look out for and what care you should expect (nice.org.uk)
Treatment
Most children with earache do not 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:
If your child has any features of severe infection (amber or red features above), they will need to be urgently assessed by a healthcare professional
You can help relieve symptoms by:
Prevention
It is not possible to prevent ear infections; however, you can do things that may reduce your child’s chances of developing the condition.