If you have children in your home, you have probably dealt with an ear infection or two before. Middle ear infections are one of the most common types of infections in kids!

But even though they are more common in young children, it is still possible to get one as an adult.

Experiencing ear pain doesn’t necessarily guarantee you have an infection, but it is certainly one of the classic symptoms! Our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team explains what symptoms indicate an ear infection below, so read on.

Can I Get an Ear Infection From my Children?

Ear infections on their own are not contagious, so if your child just has an ear infection and no other illness, you can’t catch it from him or her. However, if your child also has a cold or the flu and that is what caused the ear infection, you could certainly develop that! If a viral or bacterial infection makes its way into your middle ear, it can grow and replicate.

This growth can cause pain as the fluid builds up in your ear, and it can cause discomfort or a feeling of pressure. Oftentimes, it only occurs in one ear but it is not uncommon to experience the infection in both ears. The pain can be dull and throbbing or sharp and stabbing.

More Ear Infection Symptoms

• Pain inside ear
• Fever
• Discharge coming from ear
• Feeling pressure in your ear
• Difficulty hearing

Can Ear Infections Make You Dizzy?

Balance issues are also a common symptom in adults. Our inner ears play a vital role in controlling our internal balance so any sort of fluid buildup or inflammation in your ears can cause dizziness. If you are prone to vertigo, you can also have a vertigo flareup while you are experiencing an ear infection.

The good news is that while ear infections can make you feel sick or cause significant pain, our immune systems can actually handle them on their own! You can expect to feel better in about three days. If your symptoms aren’t going away or if your pain gets worse instead of better, come see us for an evaluation. We can determine if a round of antibiotics is right for you.

Higher Risk Factors for Ear Infections

• Individuals who smoke
• People with allergies
• Children younger than age 3
• Families with a history of chronic ear infections

Is ear pain affecting your day? Drop by AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway to visit with our care team.