Toddler ear infection

[notagooddayallround]

3 year old is complaining a lot of pain in his ear, has had a cold and cough this week (unusual for him) and a bug over last weekend. Should I take him to out of hours?

Yes

I wouldn't unless it looks like it's burst. Generally all they'll do is look at it and say "should wear off in a few days."

Take him in the morning if it's still painful then.* For now put a hot waterbottle on his ear and give calpol.

• ds would get roughly 20+ ear infections over the winter, and there's little the doctor can do.

Sorry i disagree with PP - i would always go in for ears or chest in case of permanent damage and because ear pain is BEYOND agonising - i had one 2 years ago and I cried the pain was unbearable ive had 2 labours 2 c sections - the pain of an ear infection is unreal.

And yes they can help - they can pop abscesses, drain puss, give steroid sprays and antibios - please go in.

Ear infections are often viral, although very painful. Make sure you give adequate pain relief - paracetamol and ibuprofen if appropriate.