During the transition to spring, there tends to be a surge in illnesses. The changing weather can weaken our immune systems and cause us to become more susceptible to developing an illness. At the same time, spring allergies can cause a variety of different and unpleasant symptoms. If you become sick during the spring and are experiencing a fever, you may be wondering what could be causing your symptoms. Ear infections are common illnesses that can derive from a minor illness or even allergies and develop into a serious bacterial infection that requires medical treatment. Keep reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of ear infections.
If you’re in need of urgent care for a suspected ear infection, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst can help. Our walk-in clinic offers patients in Lyndhurst, NJ, and the surrounding areas a convenient alternative to waiting all day in the emergency room for illness care. Simply walk into our clinic for rapid illness diagnosis and treatment when it’s convenient for you. We’re open 7 days a week.
What Causes an Ear Infection
Ear infections can occur due to a variety of different circumstances. There are different types of ear infections, however, the most common is a middle ear infection. Middle ear infections usually develop following some kind of illness or infection. When you’re sick, your sinuses can force liquid in the ear to become trapped against your ear drum. This standing liquid is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Ear infections can also occur from circumstances. Swimmers ear is a common type of ear infection that usually occurs when water gets trapped in the ear. It is called swimmer's ear because people who spend a lot of time in the water are more likely to develop swimmer's ear. Spring allergies can also cause middle ear infections, due to the congestion and swelling that results from allergen exposure.
Do Ear Infections Cause a Fever?
Ear infections can be tricky to diagnose. A telltale sign that you’re developing an ear infection is ear pain, however, that symptom isn’t always the first sign that suggests you could have an ear infection. Developing a fever after being sick for a while is often a sign of a secondary infection forming.
The early symptoms of an ear infection can be difficult to spot. Typically, ear infections occur after another illness. Some early symptoms of an ear infection can include:
- Ear pain
- Itching in or around the ear
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Trouble hearing
- Dizziness
Can Ear Infections Resolve on Their Own?
It is possible for ear infections to resolve on their own. However, this is only possible when your ear infection is caused by a virus. Bacterial ear infections require antibiotics for treatment. Diagnosing whether your ear infection is caused by a bacterial or viral infection is nearly impossible at home. That is why it is important that you seek medical care if you suspect that you are developing an ear infection. Early action can help prevent your symptoms from worsening and promote a faster recovery than waiting to see if the symptoms get better on their own.
Get Same-Day Ear Infection Treatment by Walking Into AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst
If you suspect that you’re developing an ear infection, the best course of action is to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider will be able to evaluate your ear for signs of an infection and preform the necessary testing to uncover whether your ear infection is bacterial or viral. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, we offer same-day care for ear infections on a walk-in basis. Simpy walk into the clinic.
Our dedicated team of board-certified medical providers is trained to quickly and accurately diagnose a variety of common illnesses, including ear infections. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and maintains short wait times, making it easy and convenient to walk in for illness care. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care options for patients paying out of pocket for their medical care. Walk into the clinic today.
