What was that? What did you say? While having difficulty hearing could mean a number of things, one thing that could be the culprit is an ear infection. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham wants you to learn the main causes of an ear infection, as well as ways to prevent one now and in the future.

What Will Help to Clear Up an Ear Infection?

Did you know? More than 80% of ear infections clear up without the use of an antibiotic. Sometimes all you need is the help of over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate pain. However, if your ear infection is getting worse after two or three days, it might be best to seek medical treatment in order to get the proper diagnosis and treatment plan to find relief as soon as possible!

Ear Infection Causes

• Cold
• Flu
• Any illness that causes congestion or swelling in the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes
• Bacteria in the middle ear
• Virus in the middle ear

Who Gets an Ear Infection?

Most ear infections occur in children younger than age 7. However, adults can find themselves experiencing an ear infection, too. Therefore, it is important for all of us to know how we can best care for and prevent an ear infection.

Ear Infection Prevention

• Keep your ears clean by washing them.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
• Manage allergies.
• Take allergy medications, as needed.
• Make sure vaccines are up-to-date.
• Wash hands frequently.

Are you experiencing stabbing ear pain? It might be an ear infection! Visit AFC Urgent Care Cheltenhamtoday for a medical evaluation.