# Ear Infections (Otitis Media): Symptoms, Home Care & When | Clever Mum

> Ear Infections (Otitis Media) in children — symptoms, how long it lasts, what helps at home, and the NHS's own guidance on when to see a GP or seek urgent help.

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Childhood illness guide

 
# Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

 
Earache that often clears up by itself within a few days

  
        [ CP ](/authors/parenting-desk/)   By [ Clever Mum Parenting ](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides 

 
 Published 11 July 2026  

      
 
Quick answer — 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 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 ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/)  — NHS 
 
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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 August 2026.

    
## Ear Infections (Otitis Media) at a glance

   Typically affects Very common in children, especially under 12 months  Usual duration Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, though symptoms can sometimes last up to a week.  Urgent GP/111 tier See below