NHS Pharmacy First otoscopy examination and treatment for earache and acute otitis media in children and teenagers aged 1 to 17 years.
Earache is a common, sharp, dull or burning pain in one or both ears. In children and teenagers, the most frequent cause is Acute Otitis Media (AOM), an infection of the middle ear space behind the eardrum that often develops following an upper respiratory cold or viral illness. Symptoms include ear pain, pulling or rubbing the ear (in younger children), fever, irritability, poor feeding, mild hearing loss, or fluid draining from the ear if the eardrum has perforated. Under the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway, our clinical pharmacist uses an illuminated otoscope to examine the outer ear canal and the tympanic membrane (eardrum) for signs of bulging, erythema (redness), perforation, or fluid in the middle ear. Most middle ear infections are viral and self-resolve within 3 to 7 days as the Eustachian tube drains. If otoscopy confirms acute otitis media and symptoms meet high-risk or severe criteria under NHS guidelines (or fail to improve with watchful waiting), the pharmacist can prescribe targeted antibiotics or safe pediatric pain relief protocols.
Your consultation is carried out in a soundproof, private consultation suite by a qualified healthcare professional.
Your consultation begins in a soundproof, private clinic room inside the pharmacy. Your pharmacist reviews your symptom history, existing medications, and individual requirements.
Your clinician carries out diagnostic checks or vital signs triage tailored to Earache in line with UK clinical standards and NICE protocols.
If clinically appropriate under the NHS specification, treatments or prescription medicines are dispensed directly at the pharmacy counter.
You will receive comprehensive instructions on recovery, expected timelines, and when to seek medical advice. An electronic clinical notification is shared with your registered NHS GP practice.
If symptoms persist, fail to improve within the expected timeframe, or if regular monitoring is required, book a follow-up consultation with your pharmacy team or contact your GP.
This consultation is delivered under an NHS commissioning framework. It is free for qualifying patients meeting national clinical eligibility criteria. It is not an unrestricted free service for all conditions or non-qualifying demographics.
No consultation fee is charged for qualifying NHS patients. Standard NHS prescription exemption rules apply if medications are dispensed.
10 derwent parade, South ockendon • RM155EE
2 TADWORTH PARADE, ELM PARK, HORNCHURCH • RM12 5AS
625-627 ROMAN ROAD, LONDON • E3 2RN
418 WHITMORE WAY, BASILDON • SS14 2HB
197-199 ROMAN ROAD, LONDON, BETHNAL GREEN, E2 0QY, LONDON • E2 0QY
376 BARKING ROAD, PLAISTOW, LONDON • E13 8HL
THE CROSS, EASTRY, SANDWICH • CT13 0HG
NEW VALLEY ROAD, EXWICK EX4 2AD, EXETER • EX4 2AD
Follow these simple steps before attending the clinic:
Clinical advice for ongoing recovery and support:
Clinical guidance on consultations, eligibility, and prescription dispensing.
NextDoorClinic content is developed in collaboration with registered UK pharmacy prescribers and based on evidence-based UK clinical commissioning standards and clinical practice guidance:
