Little ears, big tears: following an analgesia‑led approach to acute otitis media and acute otitis externa in children

CPD

10 July 2026

CPD credits

Accreditation Number : PSAAP2606ST

Group 1 : CPD credits

Group 2 : 1.5 CPD credits

This activity has been accredited for hours of Group 1 CPD (or CPD credits) suitable for inclusion in an individual pharmacist's CPD plan, which can be converted to hours of Group 2 CPD (or 1.5 CPD credits) upon successful completion of relevant assessment activities.

Case scenario

Jennifer, a regular patient, presents to the pharmacy with her daughter, Mia, who is 26 months old. Jennifer tells you that Mia has had a fever for 24 hours (around 37.9ºC) and pain in both ears overnight.

Upon further history taking, you are told Mia is slightly irritable with slightly reduced eating but normal fluid intake. Mia has also been experiencing an upper respiratory tract infection, with rhinorrhoea for the last 3 days. Mia seems uncomfortable and is tugging at her ears.

Learning outcomes

After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:

Differentiate key features of acute otitis media, acute otitis externa and otitis media with effusion
Identify appropriate analgesic options for children with ear pain
Recognise presentations requiring referral in children with ear pain
Determine appropriate treatment options for acute otitis media and acute otitis externa.

Competency standards (2016) addressed: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5

Accreditation number:

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