Abstract
In the UK, 15% of consultations in general practice involve complaints relating to the upper respiratory tract or head and neck. Of these, painful ear is one of the most common presentations especially in children younger than 5 years in age. It is also the most common reason for a parent to call a doctor out-of-hours for their child. However, a painful ear can affect people of all ages and there are many causes. It is therefore important for GPs to have knowledge of its most common presentations, the pitfalls in diagnosis, treatments and when to involve secondary care.
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