Earaches are a common ailment, especially for young children. They often signify the start of an infection in the ear. While earaches themselves are not contagious, the conditions that cause them can sometimes be. Ear infections occur when fluid becomes trapped inside of the ear which then creates a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’re experiencing ear pain and in search of symptom relief, AFC Urgent Care Edgewater can help. Our walk-in clinic in Edgewater, MD, offers same-day care for patients of all ages. We never require patients to schedule an appointment in advance, just visit the clinic when it’s convenient for you! We maintain short wait times and are open 7 days a week.
What are Earaches?
Earaches, or ear pain, refer to discomfort or pain felt in or around the ear. They can occur in one or both ears and vary in intensity from mild irritation to sharp, intense pain. Earaches are often caused by infections, such as middle ear infections, but can also result from other factors like earwax buildup, pressure changes, sinus infections, or trauma to the ear. In children, ear infections are a common cause of earaches due to their small ear canals that trap moisture more easily. In adults, ear pain might sometimes signal an issue with the ear or nearby structures like the jaw or throat.
Are Earaches Contagious?
There are many different conditions that can lead to ear pain which makes ear pain difficult to self-diagnose. Common illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, colds, or the flu can spread from person to person, and these viruses may lead to ear infections as a complication. This occurs due to nasal congestion and swelling within the sinuses traps fluid inside of the ear. A build-up of any fluid inside of the ear canal can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria which is what leads to an infection happening.
Ear infections commonly occur in adults due to water getting trapped in the ear while swimming or showering. While ear infections themselves cannot be transmitted because they are caused by a bacterial infection within the ear, the underlying contagious illnesses that cause ear infections can be contagious.
Ear Pain Diagnosis & Treatment Near Edgewater, MD
Earaches can indicate a wide variety of potential issues in and around the ear. If you are experiencing ear pain, seeking medical care is the best way to ensure that you treat it correctly. Earaches are diagnosed through a combination of a patient's medical history, symptom discussion, and an examination of the inside of the ear.
Some people are more likely to develop ear infections than others due to genetics. Even if you get earaches often, leaving an ear infection untreated can lead to complications, including hearing damage or the spread of disease to surrounding tissues. You should always seek medical care for ear pain, especially if your ear pain is paired with other symptoms such as a fever.
Walk Into AFC Urgent Care Edgewater for Ear Infection Treatment
If you’re suffering from ear pain, seeking medical care is the best way to properly determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. At AFC Urgent Care Edgewater, our board-certified medical providers are experienced in identifying signs of an ear infection. We offer ear infection diagnosis and treatment to patients of all ages, 7 days a week. Our clinic has an on-site lab to perform any diagnostic testing that may be necessary to determine the best course of treatment for your symptoms. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for our care. Walk into the clinic today, or schedule your visit online in advance using the button below.
