Pain, pressure, muffled hearing or discharge should be assessed when significant or persistent.
Duration, fever, discharge and recurrence help guide whether further treatment is needed.
Repeated episodes may justify looking at allergy, anatomy, chronic inflammation or other contributing factors.
Congestion can persist after viral illness, but worsening pain or new fever may change the picture.
What the GP may consider
The next step depends on the clinical picture.
Primary care combines history, examination and targeted investigation where appropriate. The goal is not to test everything, but to answer the right clinical questions.
Looking at the ear canal and eardrum helps distinguish several common causes of ear pain.
Nasal and throat symptoms, allergy history and duration all contribute to the working diagnosis.
Management may involve symptom relief, medication or antibiotics where clinically indicated.
Persistent, recurrent or complicated symptoms may need ENT or audiology input.
Seek urgent care for severe swelling around the ear or eye, neurological symptoms, marked deterioration, severe dehydration or another rapidly worsening concern. If you are unsure and symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek urgent medical assessment.
Book a consultation
Online information cannot replace an examination when one is needed.
Book an in-person or teleconsultation with the Bryanston practice and let the doctor guide the next step.
Condition enquiry
Still unsure what your symptoms mean?
Describe what is concerning you and the practice can help guide whether an in-person consultation, teleconsultation or another route is appropriate.
Please do not use this form or WhatsApp for emergencies or send unnecessary sensitive medical information in an initial enquiry.