Earache Treatment & Ear Pain Advice in Wigan | Wigan Road Pharmacy

Earache is one of the most common reasons people visit a pharmacy. It can range from a mild discomfort to a sharp, painful sensation that affects your daily life. At Wigan Road Pharmacy, we provide expert earache assessment and treatment in line with NHS guidance, helping you get fast relief without waiting for a GP appointment.

What Causes Earache?

According to the NHS, earache can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Ear infections – such as otitis externa or otitis media
• Earwax build-up – causing pressure and hearing issues
• Glue ear – fluid build-up in the middle ear (common in children)
• Sore throat or tonsillitis – pain can spread to the ears
• Dental problems – including infections or jaw issues (TMJ)
• Perforated eardrum – causing sudden pain and hearing changes
• Foreign objects – especially in children
• Air pressure changes – from flying or altitude

Symptoms of Earache

Symptoms may vary depending on the cause:

• Pain in one or both ears
• Feeling of pressure or fullness
• Reduced or muffled hearing
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Fluid discharge or fever (possible infection)

In children, signs may include:

• Pulling or rubbing the ear
• Irritability or crying
• Difficulty sleeping
• Reduced appetite
• Fever (38°C or above)

Earache in Children

Earache is common in babies and young children. Their ear structure makes them more prone to infections and blockages. Most children experience at least one ear infection before school age.

If symptoms last more than 3 days, or your child is under 2 with ear pain in both ears, seek professional advice. Our pharmacists at Wigan Road Pharmacy can assess and recommend the right treatment or refer you if needed.

Self-Care Tips for Earache

Following NHS advice, you can manage mild earache at home:

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief
• Apply a warm cloth to the ear
• Avoid inserting cotton buds or objects into the ear
• Do not attempt to remove earwax yourself
• Keep the ear dry
• Rest and stay hydrated

When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice

Contact a GP or NHS 111 if you experience:

• Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
• High fever or severe pain
• Swelling or redness around the ear
• Fluid or pus discharge
• Sudden hearing loss
• Object stuck in the ear

NHS Pharmacy First Earache Service

At Wigan Road Pharmacy, we provide earache treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First scheme. Our pharmacists can:

• Assess your symptoms
• Examine your ear where appropriate
• Provide pain relief or eardrops
• Supply prescription treatment if needed
• Refer you to a GP if required

This service is free on the NHS and available without an appointment.

How to Prevent Earache

• Avoid inserting objects into the ear
• Keep ears clean and dry
• Use earplugs when swimming if needed
• Manage allergies and colds
• Keep vaccinations up to date (for children)

If you experience frequent earwax build-up, our ear microsuction service at Wigan Road Pharmacy can help prevent future problems.

Why Choose Wigan Road Pharmacy?

• NHS Pharmacy First service available
• No GP appointment required
• Experienced and trained pharmacists
• Same-day treatment and advice
• Convenient local pharmacy in Wigan
• Ongoing support for ear health