Urgent Care for Ear Infections Treatment Q&A
Ear infection is an inflammation of the outer inner and middle ear caused by bacteria and viruses. It is important to seek medical attention for persistent or severe ear infection symptoms in order to prevent complications. Our board-certified physician, Dr. Usha Rani K. Reddy, M.D. can provide appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and address the underlying infection to protect the ear’s health and function in the long term. To get relief from ear pain Visit Reddy Urgent Care for comprehensive and specialized care. For more information, contact us. Walk-in visits are welcome. We have convenient locations to serve you.
Table of Contents:
What are the types of ear infections?
What causes ear infections in adults?
How do you check for an ear infection?
How can you tell if an ear infection is bacterial or viral?
How do you treat ear infections?
Ear infections, which are characterized by inflammation in any part of the ear, are a common illness in both childhood and adulthood. An infection of the ear canal can occur for several different reasons, resulting in swelling, redness, and inflammation. This swelling can result in blockages, potentially obstructing the Eustachian tube, which drains fluid from the middle ear. If fluid cannot drain, it can build up and cause pain, which may require medical attention.
An ear infection, or otitis, is categorized into different types depending on the part of the ear that is affected. There are three main types of ear infections: Outer ear infection (otitis externa), middle ear infection (otitis media), and inner ear infection (otitis interna, or labyrinthitis). They may be further categorized based on duration (acute or short-lasting, chronic or long-lasting), or based on the presence of fluid (appended with ‘effusion’).
There are several causes of ear infections in adults, from viral and bacterial proliferation to blockages and fluid buildup. Because of how the ear canals are designed, they are resistant to infection. However, these auditory passages can still become inflamed if they are submerged underwater and water is allowed to seep in, or if the wind is blowing in the ears, especially if the ears are wet beforehand. These are common signs of inflammation, but can also allow bacteria and viruses to enter more easily.
Doctors check for an ear infection by examining the patient’s signs and discussing their symptoms. The signs and symptoms of an ear infection are different depending on which part of the ear is affected, from the inner ear to the outer ear.
Symptoms of an inner ear infection include:
– Dizziness, nausea and vomiting
– Ear pain
– Balance issues
– Hearing changes or loss
Outer ear infection symptoms include:
– Redness on the outer ear
– Itchiness
– Ear pain and congestion
– Yellow or yellow-green discharge
– Swollen ear or neck
– Hearing changes or loss
– Fever, usually between 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit
Middle ear infection symptoms include:
– Ear pain
– Fever, usually between 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit
– Headaches
– Fluid coming from the ear
– Hearing changes or loss
– Balance issues
– Sore throat
In many cases, an ear infection is not viral or bacterial but is caused by inflammation of the ear canal, often because of fluid build-up and blockages or stagnant airflow. However, some ear infections are caused by bacteria and viruses; bacterial ear infections often present with a lot of discharge, whereas viral ear infections often come with pain, fever, and headaches.
The treatment for an ear infection depends on what caused it, as well as the individual health of the patient. For example, an ear infection caused by fluid build-up is often treated by being drained and then cleaned. A bacterial ear infection is typically treated with a course of antibiotics, although this would be inefficient for ear infections caused by viruses or fungi.
The treatment for ear infections may also include at-home remedies like applying a hot towel to your ear, taking NSAIDs for pain relief, and eating anti-inflammatory foods.
If you or someone you love is exhibiting the signs or symptoms of an ear infection, come to Reddy Urgent Care where our team of medical professionals can help restore you to perfect health. Contact us today to book an appointment with our ear infection treatment doctor, We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Downtown Long Beach CA, Bixby Knolls Long Beach CA, Paramount CA, Los Altos CA, East Side CA, and surrounding areas.
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