Helping patients who don’t qualify

Although adults can be affected by acute otitis media, they are not eligible for the Pharmacy First service. Adults are more likely to get viral or bacterial inner ear infections that affect parts of the inner ear such as the labyrinth and vestibular system, and can lead to labyrinthitis – which causes dizziness and can affect a person’s balance. Adults aged 45-75 can also be prone to outer ear infection (otitis externa), commonly caused by something irritating the ear canal, such as eczema, water or wearing earplugs.

Even though Pharmacy First won’t cover these conditions, it’s still vital that people experiencing ear pain and infection talk to a healthcare professional about further treatment. “Early detection is essential,” says Ali Sparkes, superintendent pharmacist and director at The Health Dispensary in Neath, South Wales. “Ear infections can progress rapidly, leading to more severe symptoms and potential long-term complications. If left untreated, ear infections can cause permanent damage to the eardrum, hearing loss, and even spread to other parts of the body, such as the mastoid bone behind the ear or the brain. In some cases, recurrent or chronic ear infections can also lead to the development of cholesteatoma. This serious condition requires surgical intervention.”

Timely treatment is therefore important because it can effectively alleviate the symptoms of an ear infection and prevent these complications. “By addressing the underlying cause, whether it’s a bacterial or viral infection, the pain, inflammation, and other discomforts associated with ear infections can be effectively managed,” says Ali, “which improves quality of life and reduces the risk of long-term consequences, such as hearing impairment or chronic ear problems”.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can often provide effective relief for mild to moderate ear infections. Ali says pharmacy teams can recommend “pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to alleviate the discomfort associated with the infection” and may also suggest “topical eardrops containing numbing agents or anti-inflammatory medications to target the affected area directly”.

NHS advice to help relieve any pain and discomfort from an ear infection is to:

• Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 should not take aspirin)
• Remove any discharge by wiping the ear with cotton wool
• Do not put anything inside the ear to remove earwax, such as cotton buds or fingers
• Do not use decongestants or antihistamines as there’s no evidence they help with ear infections.

In addition, pharmacy staff can also offer advice on complementary therapies. “Alternative treatments such as warm compresses or eardrops containing natural ingredients like almond or tea tree oil can help soothe the symptoms and promote healing,” adds Ali. “Particularly in cases where the infection is not severe enough to require prescription medications.”