Ear infections are bacterial infections that affect the inner ear. Anyone can contract an ear infection, and they can occur for a variety of reasons. Your ears are closely connected to your sinuses, meaning that excessive congestion, irritants in the ear, or trauma to the ear can all lead to an infection. Ear infections are typically characterized by pain in the inner ear, but ear infections often have other symptoms that occur as a result of the infection. Keep reading to learn more about what causes ear infections, common ear infection symptoms, and how to treat ear infections.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, AFC Urgent Care North Bergen can help. Our walk-in clinic provides same-day care for patients in North Bergen, NJ. Our dedicated team of board-certified medical providers is available 7 days a week. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you, or schedule your visit online in advance.
What Causes Ear Infections
Ear infections occur when bacteria cultivate and grow inside of the ear. They can happen to anyone, however, young children commonly get ear infections due to their inner ear tubes being extra narrow. Ear infections occur when the inner ear canal gets liquid trapped in it. This can happen due to activities like swimming or showering. It can also occur as a result of another illness, like a cold, that leads to excessive congestion which can migrate to the ear from the sinuses. The build-up of moisture inside the ear canal is what causes bacteria to grow and eventually leads to an infection.
Ear Infection Symptoms
Ear infection symptoms typically take a few days to start once the bacteria begins to grow in your ear. At first, you may experience headaches, fatigue, or a slight fever before you start experiencing ear pain from an ear infection. However, ear pain is a dead giveaway that you are suffering from an ear infection. Children may experience symptoms such as fussiness or lack of appetite from an ear infection. Other common symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Pus draining from ear
- Redness in ear
- Itchiness inside of ear
- Balance issues
- Trouble hearing
Ear Infection Diagnosis & Treatment near North Bergen, NJ
Ear infections are caused by the growth of bacteria inside of the ear. In some cases, bacterial infections can resolve on their own over time. However, most ear infections are treated with prescription antibiotics. This will ensure that your infection resolves as quickly as possible without further complications such as damage to the inner ear and eardrum.
If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms of an ear infection, or think that your child is experiencing an ear infection, it is important to seek medical care. Seeking treatment from a medical professional early will ensure that the ear infection is treated before symptoms worsen and become more painful. Ear infections can easily be diagnosed by your medical provider with an evaluation of your ear and discussing any symptoms that you’re experiencing with your medical provider.
Visit AFC North Bergen for Same-Day Ear Infection Treatment in North Bergen, NJ
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, seeking medical care early can ensure that you get the treatment necessary to resolve your symptoms most efficiently. Ear infections can be painful, which is why AFC Urgent Care North Bergen makes it easy to get same-day care. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and accepts walk-in patients. Our clinic accepts most major medical insurance plans and offers affordable care for patients without medical insurance. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day ear infection treatment!
