It is really common to experience ear pain from time to time. A change in altitude while flying, sinus infections and allergies are all possibilities for your pain. It is also common for your pain to be caused by an ear infection!

Ear infections can cause sharp, burning or dull pain in your ear and can make it hard to function normally throughout your day. Get all the facts about ear infections from our AFC Urgent Care Farragut team below.

What Is an Ear Infection?

Infections inside your ear are similar to any other type of infection you get elsewhere in your body. If a virus or bacteria settles behind your eardrum, it can grow and replicate, which can cause a buildup of fluid. This excess fluid can cause pain, pressure and trouble hearing. An ear infection usually occurs in one ear, but it can be found in both or it can spread to both ears in time.

Ear infections frequently occur in children, but they can also happen to adults as well. If your child can’t communicate with you effectively yet, look for signs of fussiness, increased crying and loss of appetite. In addition, kids may tug at their ears or rub them constantly.

Common Signs of an Ear Infection for Adults and Children

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

How Is an Ear Infection Treated?

The nice thing about ear infections is that most of them don’t require medical intervention in order to heal! In time, the vast majority of ear infections can be handled by your immune system. With rest and plenty of fluids, you can expect your symptoms to fade in a matter of days and clear up completely in about a week.

If your symptoms fail to improve or get worse after two to three days, come see us! Some infections require a round of antibiotics in order to go away, so we can do a full evaluation to determine whether or not this is the appropriate treatment for you.

Preventing Future Ear Infections

• Keep your ears clean and dry.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid smoking.
• Stay up-to-date with the vaccination schedule.

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