Earaches and ear infections are common among children, particularly those under five years of age. They can also affect adults. These pesky illnesses have many causes, making them one of the leading reasons parents bring their children to Local MD Urgent Care.
These incidents don’t always happen during your primary doctor’s office hours, or symptoms worsen erratically and maybe on weekends, making it important to walk in for appointment or schedule for the weekend.
Earache & Ear Infection Symptoms
As with any illness affecting your child, it can be difficult to pinpoint the symptoms or aching areas. Earache and ear infection symptoms can be difficult to identify even in adults, so if you or a loved one is experiencing a mix of the below symptoms, visit us at Local MD Urgent Care to rule out or diagnose an ear infection:
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Irritability
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High Temperature
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Touching or Tugging Of the Ears
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Drainage
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Loss or Lack of Appetite
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Lack of Balance
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Irregular Sleeping Habits
Causes Of Earaches & Ear Infections
Ear pain and ear infection causes range from dental problems to a repetitive, simple common cold, or reactions to tobacco smoke. An earache is sometimes referred to as a clogged ear, because it occurs when one of the tubes running from the ears to the back of the throat swells or becomes blocked. This causes fluid to build up in the middle ear. Some typical causes may include:
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Colds
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Allergies
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Excess Mucus
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Sinus Infections
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Irritation From Smoke From Tobacco Products
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Infected Adenoids
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Foreign Body
Earache & Ear Infection Treatment
Depending on what is causing the earache, our medical professionals may recommend a course of antibiotics or medications aimed at reducing the inflammation blocking the Eustachian tube, like decongestants. For treatment at home, pain relievers include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These can also help to lower a fever associated with an earache or ear infection. Be sure to follow label instructions carefully, particularly dosage instructions for children.
Earache Prevention
Taking precautionary measures can help to reduce the risk of earaches, especially in children. Proper hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing and limiting contact with others who may be sick can help. Also, try to limit exposure to cigarette smoke, as this may increase the risk for ear infections. In addition, use earplugs while swimming, or over-the-counter products to dry the ear out after swimming.
Please note, with your optimal care in mind, if your injury is severe, the Local MD team may refer you to a local emergency room.