Ear Infection in Adults & Children: UK Online Doctor Guide
Educational information — not medical advice.
This article was prepared by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and reviewed for factual accuracy against UK clinical guidance (NHS and NICE). It is not written by a doctor and does not replace personal medical advice. For symptoms specific to you, book an online doctor consultation.
Key points
- Most ear infections settle in 3–5 days without antibiotics.
- Outer-ear infections (swimmer's ear) often need prescription ear drops.
- Middle-ear infections cause sudden severe earache, often after a cold.
- Pain relief is the mainstay of treatment.
- An online doctor can prescribe drops or antibiotics when appropriate, especially helpful when you cannot get an in-person appointment quickly.
Two types of ear infection
Most UK ear infections fall into two groups:
- Otitis media (middle ear): infection behind the eardrum, usually after a cold. Common in children.
- Otitis externa (outer ear / swimmer's ear): infection of the ear canal, often linked to water exposure or scratching with cotton buds.
Symptoms
Middle-ear infection
- Sudden severe earache
- Fever, irritability (in children)
- Reduced hearing
- Sometimes discharge if the eardrum bursts (often relieves pain)
Outer-ear infection
- Pain made worse by tugging the ear
- Itching, redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Sticky discharge
- Hearing reduced if canal blocked
Self-care
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.
- A warm flannel held against the ear.
- Keep the ear dry — no swimming or water in the ear.
- Do not use cotton buds inside the ear canal.
When an online doctor can help
Book an online GP if pain is severe, lasts more than 3 days, you have discharge, or symptoms are not improving. They can prescribe:
- Antibiotic ear drops (e.g. ciprofloxacin) for outer-ear infection.
- Oral antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin) for middle-ear infection where indicated.
- Stronger pain relief if needed.
Where the eardrum cannot be visualised on video, an in-person review may be advised.
Red flags — when to seek urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you experience any of the following:
- Severe headache, neck stiffness or confusion
- Swelling and redness behind the ear
- Facial weakness on the affected side
- Sudden complete hearing loss
- Recurrent infections — needs ENT review
Frequently asked questions
Common questions UK patients ask about otitis (ear infection).
How an online doctor can help
Related articles
Sore Throat: Symptoms, Causes & When to See an Online Doctor in the UK
Sore throat in the UK? Learn the causes, home remedies, when antibiotics help, and when to see an online doctor for same-day diagnosis and prescriptions.
Persistent Cough: Causes, Treatment & When to See an Online Doctor (UK)
Cough that won't go away? Learn causes (post-viral, asthma, reflux), home remedies, red flags and when to book an online GP in the UK for diagnosis and prescription.
Sinusitis (Sinus Infection): Symptoms, Treatment & UK Online Doctor
Blocked sinuses, facial pain or pressure? Learn how UK GPs diagnose and treat sinusitis, when antibiotics help, and how to see an online doctor today.
This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. Content is reviewed against UK NHS and NICE guidance by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and is not authored by a medical doctor. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, please book a consultation with a GMC-registered GP.
See a UK GP about this today
Same-day video or phone consultations with GMC-registered GPs. Prescriptions, sick notes and referrals when clinically appropriate.