Ear infections, especially in children, are among some of the most common illnesses patients report. Unfortunately, ear infections, like colds and flu, become more frequent seasonally. Learn more about ear infection symptoms, how to treat them at home, and when to visit your nearest urgent care center for an ear infection.

What is an ear infection?

The most common ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, which is the air-filled space between your eardrum and the small, vibrating bones of your inner ear.

Narrow tubes in your ears help drain fluid from your middle ear, preventing infection. However, these tubes can sometimes become swollen and blocked by thick mucus buildup, which can then become infected by viruses or bacteria. This buildup exerts pressure on your inflamed eardrum, causing pain and discomfort.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

Adults and children can get ear infections but don’t necessarily present the same symptoms.

In children, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Ear pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Crying or fussing more than usual
• Trouble hearing
• Drainage of fluid from the ear
• Fever of 100 F or higher
• Loss of appetite (painful swallowing)
• Headache

In adults, ear infections often cause:

• Ear pain
• Trouble hearing
• Drainage of fluid from the ear

What are the risk factors for ear infections?

Ear infections have many possible risk factors, including age, family history, and poor air quality. Children between the ages of six months and two years old are more likely to develop ear infections because the Eustachian tubes in their ears are smaller and don’t always clear fluid buildup efficiently. Children who attend school or daycare are also at higher risk because of their increased exposure to the viruses and bacteria that cause ear infections.

Certain chronic illnesses (such as asthma or cystic fibrosis) also increase risk, so it’s important to monitor your condition with your physician to avoid complications.

Are ear infections contagious?

No, ear infections are not contagious. However, the viruses and bacteria that can cause ear infections spread similarly to colds and flu. Frequent handwashing and sanitizing high-touch surfaces, particularly during cold and flu season, are easy ways to help protect yourself and your family from the germs that cause ear infections.

How common are ear infections?

Ear infections are among the most common childhood illnesses, and young children are much more likely than adults to get ear infections. If your infant or toddler is especially fussy and seems to be in pain, an ear infection is a common culprit.

Since young children can’t always communicate their symptoms, look out for rubbing or tugging on the ears, a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, mouth breathing, increased snoring, and a refusal to eat (ear infections often make it painful to swallow).

How can I prevent ear infections?

Besides frequent handwashing, children should also be taught to cough or sneeze into their elbows and not share cups or utensils with others. Take the time to educate your child about how germs spread from person to person and what they can do to help prevent the spread.

For infants, breastfeeding is another way to help prevent ear infections, as the antibodies present in breast milk protect your baby from viruses and bacteria. However, if you bottle-feed your baby, be sure to hold them in an upright position while feeding so that their head is higher than their stomach. This can help prevent fluids from building up in the tiny tubes in their ears (since these are connected to the throat).

Finally, staying up to date with vaccinations, including your flu shot, is an excellent way to prevent ear infections. Vaccinations are one of the routine medical services we provide at our urgent care centers by appointment, so please feel free to contact us to ensure you receive the protection you deserve.

How do I treat ear infections at home?

Ear infections can sometimes clear up on their own and do not require additional treatment beyond staying hydrated and getting as much rest as possible. You or your child may take over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve ear pain and manage fever. Over-the-counter ear drops may also help speed healing.

When should I visit urgent care for an ear infection?

If you or your child has an ear infection causing severe ear pain, you should visit your nearest urgent care center for prompt assessment and treatment. Likewise, you should seek immediate care if your child acts sluggish, keeps crying despite all efforts, is unable to walk steadily, shows signs of weakness in their face (for example, a crooked smile), drains blood or pus from their ear, or has a fever that exceeds 104 F. All of these symptoms are serious and should be attended to by a doctor.

How are ear infections treated at my urgent care clinic?

Depending on factors like age, we may prescribe antibiotics to combat the infection bacteria. We may also prescribe pain-relieving ear drops or other medications for pain and fever. If you are prescribed antibiotics, it’s important to take the entire course of the medicine, even if you feel better and don’t feel you need them. Stopping antibiotics prematurely can lead to your infection returning or worsening.

Visit Lincoln or Granite Bay Urgent Care for Ear Infections

If you or your child are suffering from an ear infection, we can help! Our clinics are staffed by a compassionate team of experienced medical professionals who strive to provide you with the best possible care at a fraction of the cost of an emergency room visit. Contact us to learn more, or walk into one of our clinics today for a quick assessment and high-quality care.

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751
Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265