Swimmer’s Ear & Ear Infections
Swimmer’s ear and ear infections unfortunately can be a side effect from fun in the pool, or linked to the common cold or flu. Ear disorders are common among children, it is difficult to pinpoint the source of discomfort whether being an ear canal infection, an inner ear problem, or a ruptured eardrum. We recommend visiting Grand Ave Urgent Care to diagnose and prescribe medication to reduce your pain and treat the infection. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more painful it can become and linger. Walk-ins welcome, no appointment necessary.
Causes of Swimmer’s Ear & Ear Infection
Swimmer’s ear common source of infection is excess water/moisture trapped in the ear canal from baths, showers, swimming or moist environments. When water is trapped in the ear canal, bacteria may multiply causing infection, treatment is needed to reduce pain and eliminate any effect of hearing loss, as well as to prevent the spread of further infection.
Ear infections can be caused by bacteria and viruses. A common cold, sinus or throat infection, or an allergy, attack the tubes which connect the middle ear to the throat and can become blocked or constricted, which stops fluid from draining from the middle ear causing bacteria or a virus to grow and cause an ear infection.
Symptoms
Adults: Earache (either sharp, sudden, dull, or continuous pain, fullness or pressure); sharp stabbing pain with immediate warm drainage from the ear canal; muffled hearing
Children: Tugging of the ear, poor sleep, fever, irritability & restlessness, ear drainage, nasal discharge, diminished appetite, crying at night while lying down
Treatment
Treatment for early stages of swimmer’s ear includes careful cleaning of the ear canal and use of ear drops that inhibit bacterial or fungal growth and reduce inflammation. To ease pain, you can apply a warm washcloth over the ear and take NSAID’s (aspirin or ibuprofen).
Severe infections can cause swelling throughout the ear canal, which can make self treatment difficult. If you are experiencing pain and self treatment has been ineffective visit Grand Ave Urgent Care for evaluation and treatment with medication, such as antibiotic ear drops to provide fast relief.
If you or a family member is experiencing sever swelling, significant hearing loss, dizziness or trouble breathing PLEASE CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
Grand Ave Urgent Care is open well past normal business hours, providing you and your family the ultimate in flexible, affordable, friendly medical care. We recognize the uniqueness of children who are less than 3 months old. If your child is less than 3 months old, please see your pediatrician, family doctor or go to the hospital.