RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsEarache
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Get medical advice if earache is not improving within 2 to 3 days.
- Seek urgent advice sooner for fluid leaking from the ear, high fever, worsening pain, swelling around or behind the ear, or feeling generally unwell.
- Sudden hearing loss or a new change in hearing needs urgent medical assessment; do not wait for the pain to settle.
- Get urgent advice for severe dizziness, repeated vomiting or an object stuck in the ear.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- New facial drooping, especially with arm weakness or speech changes.
- A painful swelling behind the ear with the ear pushed forward and severe illness; go to the Emergency Department urgently.
- A severe headache with a stiff neck, discomfort in bright light, or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass. Do not wait for a rash to appear.
- A seizure, collapse or becoming very difficult to wake.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
