Quick Health Bytes Series – Ear infections in children: do they always need antibiotics?

Many parents worry when their child has an ear infection — especially when there is pain, fever, or disturbed sleep. It’s natural to want quick treatment, but new research highlights an important message:

👉 Antibiotics are not always needed for ear infections.

What does the latest research show?

A recent UK study found that:

• Around 1 in 3 parents believe antibiotics are always needed for ear infections
• Only about half of parents realise most ear infections get better on their own
• In reality, only around 1 in 5 children actually need antibiotics

Ear infections are very common in children, and although they can be distressing, they usually improve within 3 days (sometimes up to a week) without antibiotics

Why aren’t antibiotics always prescribed?

Antibiotics can be very helpful when they are truly needed — but using them when they’re not necessary can cause problems:

• Side effects (such as diarrhoea or rash)
• Reduced effectiveness of antibiotics in the future (antimicrobial resistance)
• Unnecessary medication for your child

Healthcare professionals carefully assess each child to decide whether antibiotics will help.

What can you do if your child has an ear infection?

Most ear infections can be managed at home with simple measures:

• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever (age-appropriate doses)
• Encourage rest and fluids
• Keep an eye on symptoms over the next few days

When should you seek medical advice?

You should contact your GP or seek advice if your child:

• Is very unwell, drowsy, or not drinking
• Has symptoms that do not improve after 3 days
• Has fluid coming from the ear
• Has swelling or redness around the ear
• Is under 6 months old with a fever

What to expect from your GP consultation

Research shows many parents want clearer advice about antibiotics — and that’s something we aim to provide.

During your consultation, we will:

• Assess how severe the infection is
• Explain whether antibiotics are likely to help
• Advise on symptom relief and what to watch for

In some cases, we may recommend a “watch and wait” approach, which is safe and commonly used.

Key message

✔ Most childhood ear infections get better on their own
✔ Antibiotics are only needed in some cases
✔ Getting the right advice helps your child recover safely

If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact the practice — we’re here to help you make the best decision for your child.

For more information see our ‘Healthier Together’ tabs on our homepage specifically tailored to the age of your child!