Earache can be a very uncomfortable
experience with high pain levels and may
require stronger painkillers than Paracetamol.
90% of cases of earache do not require
an antibiotic prescription and
will begin to resolve within a day or two.
The most common cause is a virus that causes
raised pressure in the ear and a feeling
that the child is 'bunged up'.
The pain can be made worse
by lying down as this raises the ear pressure
further and can make sleeping difficult.
It is recommended that the child should
have their head propped up with pillows
or cushions when in bed. If earache starts
or worsens in the night, seek medical advice
in the daytime, as earache is not an emergency
situation.
The eardrum will occasionally rupture
and expel pus and possibly a little blood, providing
rapid pain relief as this allows a drop in the pressure
within the ear. This is nothing to panic about and
is the body's way of helping to alleviate itself of
the problem. The eardrum will repair itself inside
of 4 weeks, and the chances of resulting ear trouble
are remote, but do consult your GP during normal hours
if this rupture should occur.
A limited number of Seasonal Flu vaccines are stil available for over 65's and at risk groups. Swine Flu vaccines are still available for at risk groups.
Swine Flu Advice
