👂 Childhood illness guide
Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Earache that often clears up by itself within a few days
By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer
What it is
Ear infections are very common, particularly in children, and often get better on their own within 3 days. They can affect the outer, middle (otitis media) or inner ear.
Symptoms
- Pain inside the ear (earache), a high temperature, difficulty hearing, discharge from the ear
- A feeling of pressure or fullness, itching or irritation in and around the ear
- In babies and young children specifically: rubbing or pulling their ear, not reacting to some sounds, being irritable or off their food, or losing their balance
How long it lasts
Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, though symptoms can sometimes last up to a week.
What helps at home
- Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Gently wipe away any discharge with cotton wool
- Don't put anything inside the ear, let water or shampoo get in, go swimming, or use decongestants or antihistamines
See a GP if
- Your child is under 12 months old and you think they have an ear infection
- You have earache that doesn't improve after 3 days
- You or your child keep getting ear infections
Get help from NHS 111 or an urgent GP appointment if:
- You or your child feel generally unwell, or have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
- There is swelling around the ear, or fluid coming out of the ear
- There is a change in hearing or new hearing loss
- You feel sick, dizzy, or have a severe sore throat
- Your child is under 12 months old and has earache in both ears
- You or your child have diabetes, a heart, lung, kidney or neurological condition, or a weakened immune system
Contagious period & nursery/school
The NHS doesn't set a specific stay-off-school guideline for ear infections — most children can go back once they're feeling well enough.
Ear Infections (Otitis Media): common questions
What is ear infections (otitis media)?
Ear infections are very common, particularly in children, and often get better on their own within 3 days. They can affect the outer, middle (otitis media) or inner ear. Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, though symptoms can sometimes last up to a week. This is general information, not a diagnosis — see a GP or call NHS 111 if you're unsure.
What are the symptoms of ear infections (otitis media)?
Pain inside the ear (earache), a high temperature, difficulty hearing, discharge from the ear A feeling of pressure or fullness, itching or irritation in and around the ear In babies and young children specifically: rubbing or pulling their ear, not reacting to some sounds, being irritable or off their food, or losing their balance
When should I get urgent help for ear infections (otitis media)?
Get help from NHS 111 or an urgent GP appointment if: You or your child feel generally unwell, or have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery There is swelling around the ear, or fluid coming out of the ear There is a change in hearing or new hearing loss You feel sick, dizzy, or have a severe sore throat Your child is under 12 months old and has earache in both ears You or your child have diabetes, a heart, lung, kidney or neurological condition, or a weakened immune system
Sources & further reading
- Ear infections — NHS
This is general information sourced from NHS.uk, not medical advice or a diagnostic tool. Every child is different — if you're at all worried, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999. Reviewed July 2026.