Sore throats are a common symptom of many different illnesses. Self-diagnosing an illness at home can be difficult. Learn more about whether your sore throat could indicate that you have an ear infection. If you’re experiencing a sore throat, visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for same-day diagnosis and treatment available 7 days a week on a walk-in basis.
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What Causes an Ear Infection
Ear infections usually occur in the middle ear. They can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Most commonly, ear infections occur as the result of another illness which then develops into an ear infection. This means that illnesses like the common cold can lead to an ear infection, and so can infections like strep throat.
Ear infections can occur for a variety of different reasons. They can affect anyone, however young children are at the greatest risk for getting an ear infection. People who have seasonal allergies or spend a lot of time swimming may also be at a higher risk for developing an ear infection.
Common Symptoms of an Ear Infection
Ear infections can occur as the result of various different circumstances. They can occur as the result of another infection, such as the the flu or strep throat. Ear infections can also occur due to trapped water or other irritants in the ear. As we get older, ear infections become less common among adults. However, they can still happen, so it is important to be able to identify the early symptoms so that you can seek medical care.
Having a sore throat can be a symptom that may indicate that you have an ear infection. This is because strep throat and other illnesses that can lead to ear infections may cause you to have a sore throat and then later develop into an ear infection. However, ear infections rarely cause a sore throat on their own.
Common symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Pain in the ear
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Difficulty hearing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Itchiness around the ear
Does an Ear Infection Require Medical Treatment?
The treatment for your ear infection will depend on what is causing it. Ear infections can be bacterial or viral, both of which require different treatment methods. Your medical provider will examine your ear and evaluate your other symptoms to help determine what is causing your infection. They may also perform diagnostic testing to accurately determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
If your infection is being caused by a bacterial infection, your medical provider will likely prescribe a round of antibiotics to resolve the infection. If your infection is caused by a virus, the infection cannot be resolved with medication. Instead, your body has to fight off the infection on its own. As a result, your medical provider can help provide at home care instructions to manage your symptoms and help ensure you have a smooth recovery.
Get Same-Day Ear Infection Treatment by Visiting AFC Urgent Care Stoneham
If you’re experiencing illness symptoms such as a sore throat, it is important that you monitor your symptoms for signs of an ear infection. Ear infections cannot cause other illness symptoms, such as a sore throat. In order to determine the exact cause of your symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment services. We maintain short wait times and accept walk-in patients.
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AFC Urgent Care Stoneham is state-of-the-art and equipped with a full laboratory, allowing our medical team the ability to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat your symptoms. We accept most major health insurance plans and offer affordable care options. If you’re experiencing illness symptoms, don’t delay. Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham. For more information, contact the clinic directly by calling (781) 279-4000.
