Pharmacy First | Children & young people 1–17 years

Acute Otitis Media

Evidence-based pathway for 1–17 years across Community pharmacy, urgent care, primary care. Tap start to capture history, otoscopy, risk cues, and shared decision status.

1–17 years Community pharmacy, urgent care, primary care

Aligns with NICE NG91, NICE CKS and Pharmacy First PGDs
Captures otoscopy findings, red flags, bilateral/perforation status
Supports immediate vs back-up antibiotic decisions and self-care counselling

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Escalate urgently if…

Headache (persistent or severe)

Nystagmus or blurred vision

Nausea or vomiting

Photophobia beyond mild discomfort

Vertigo

Fever persisting or escalating

Labyrinthitis (acute vestibular symptoms)

Facial paralysis

Open the NEWS2 calculator before signposting to emergency care.

What you'll capture

Age + symptom duration
Otoscopy appearance and drainage
Systemic severity and bilateral disease cues
Risk modifiers (immunosuppression, prematurity, allergy)
Shared decision plan (immediate vs back-up antibiotics)

Before you begin

Have otoscopy findings or images ready.
Confirm allergy history and temperature.
Document analgesia given and pain score.
Be prepared to discuss home care (warm compresses, upright feeds, smoke avoidance).