Ear Aches & Infections
What is your ear pain trying to tell you? There are many underlying causes, so don’t suffer through it alone. At MyCare 365, we're here to help. Stop in or make an appointment, so our care team can identify and treat the cause.
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About Ear Infection
There are seven kinds of ear infections. The most common is otitis media which occurs most often in children. It is an infection of the middle ear — the area behind the eardrum. This area can get infected when bacterial or viral germs from the nose and throat get trapped.
A small tube (eustachian tube) connects your ear to your throat. A cold can cause this tube to swell, blocking it and trapping fluid inside your ear. This makes it a perfect place for germs to grow, causing an infection.
Ear Infection Symptoms
Symptoms of an ear infection may include:
- Earache and/or headache
- Sense of fullness in the ear
- Fever
- Inflammation or ringing in the ear
- Trouble hearing
- Vertigo, nausea and/or dizziness
Symptoms of an ear infection in babies and young children may also include:
- Fussiness, crying, irritability
- Tugging at their ears
- Loss of balance
- Trouble sleeping
Ear Infection Diagnostics and Treatment
Our provider will ask about your symptoms and will look into your ears to see if there is fluid behind them. This exam is rarely uncomfortable.
Most ear infections go away on their own. You can treat them at home with an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), a warm washcloth (on the ear) and rest. Depending on the severity of the infection, our MyCare 365 providers may prescribe pain-relieving eardrops or antibiotics.
