When to Seek Care for Ear Pain Sterling, VA
Ear pain by itself is generally not concerning. It will usually go away by itself after a few days. However, if specific symptoms accompany it, individuals should seek medical treatment. Ear pain with other symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention. For example, an earache, along with a sore throat, could be an indication of strep throat or tonsillitis.
Millennium Medical Care Stone Springs can see patients who believe they are suffering from mild, moderate, or severe ear pain. If you are located near Sterling, you can walk-in without an appointment and be seen at any time of day.
When to Go to Urgent Care
Children who have frequent earaches should receive prompt medical attention when they have ear pain. Persistent ear pain can lead to a more serious infection for a child. If left untreated, the infection can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Below is a list of symptoms that could indicate a potential infection. If your child is suffering from any of the following symptoms, contact a medical professional. If you need fast service, you may stop by an Urgent Care office. Make sure to first check on hours of operation. Some but not all locations are open 24 hours per day.
- Fever above 104 degrees
- Hearing problems
- Stiff neck
- Becomes lethargic
- Becomes inconsolable
Individuals who have recently experienced trauma to the head should also seek medical attention if they are experiencing ear pain. Head trauma can cause injury to the brain. Ear pain may be one of the first signs of a more serious injury to the head. A doctor may recommend tests to determine if this is the case.
Less Severe Symptoms
Even if an individual is not experiencing severe symptoms, such as a high fever or chronic lethargy, there are a few other symptoms that may require a visit to urgent care. For example, people who are experiencing hearing loss should seek medical attention because the hearing loss may worsen if left untreated.
Pain that does not start to improve after about 24 to 48 hours also requires the attention of a doctor. A low fever or any discharge coming from the ear may be a sign of an infection. Pain that worsens when blowing the nose or tugging on the earlobe may indicate a more significant infection.
Treatment for Ear Pain
For ear pain that is caused by an infection, the doctors at an urgent care center may prescribe antibiotics. These antibiotics most often come in the form of ear drops. It is essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics for an ear infection, even after the ear pain has disappeared. The bacteria that caused the infection may cause the ear infection to return if the entire prescription of antibiotics has not been completed.
A doctor at an urgent care center may also recommend that the child use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for ears. These may include OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. A doctor can recommend the right dose, depending on the child's age and the amount of pain.
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Questions Answered on This Page
Q. When should I seek care for ear pain?
Q. What will a doctor prescribe for ear pain treatment?
Q. How do I tell if my infant has an ear infection?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the signs of common cold and flu?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What causes ear pain?
A. The most common cause of pain in the ear is an infection. Children get ear infections, often during colds or allergies. When tubes in their ears get blocked, ear pain can result. It is essential to seek medical attention if the pain is not getting better. Other causes of ear pain include excessive ear wax, a change in the air pressure, or another problem near the ear.
Q. Can a loud noise cause ear pain?
A. People who have jobs that regularly expose them to loud sounds, such as industrial equipment, may be at risk for acoustic trauma. Acoustic trauma causes damage to the eardrum and the muscles in the inner ear. Symptoms may include a buzzing sound, ear pain, and hearing loss.
Q. How is an ear infection treated?
A. A doctor can diagnose an ear infection by examining the inner ear. If the ear infection is not improving, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Doctors may recommend ear drops to help lessen the pain. In extreme cases, surgery may be required if the pain does not go away.
Q. What is acute otitis media?
A. Acute otitis media (AOM) is a type of ear infection in one or both ears. It is the most common type of ear infection. It is a short-term infection that comes on suddenly, causing sharp pain in the ear. This infection can occur after swelling in the middle ear, leading to eardrum pressure and pain.
Q. How do I tell if my infant has an ear infection?
A. While it can be difficult to tell if an infant has an ear infection, there are a few signs of an ear infection:
Depending on the age of the patient, symptoms may differ.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
When in doubt, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention for ear pain. In children, waiting too long can result in permanent hearing loss. In individuals with recent head trauma, ear pain can be a sign of a more severe injury. Getting the right antibiotics or another treatment can help ear pain go away faster.
Whatever the cause, it is crucial to determine if the pain is caused by ear wax, loud noises, an infection, head trauma, or something more severe. For those living near Sterling, you can find the route cause of the pain by stopping by Millennium Medical Care Stone Springs even without an appointment. Call us today at 703-665-3242 to learn more about our services. Our urgent care team will see you as soon as possible.
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If you live in the Sterling area, call 703-665-3242 for an appointment in our Sterling office.
Helpful Related Links
- American Journal of Medicine. American Journal of Medicine. 2023
- American Medical Association (AMA). American Medical Association (AMA). 2023
- American Medical Society For Sports Medicine (AMSSM). American Medical Society For Sports Medicine. 2023
- American Trauma Society. American Trauma Society. 2023
- John Hopkins Medicine Orthopaedic Surgery. John Hopkins Medicine Orthopaedic Surgery. 2023
- National Council on Aging. National Council on Aging. 2023
- Orthopaedic Surgery: Association of American Medical Colleges. Orthopaedic Surgery: Association of American Medical Colleges. 2023
- Radiological Society of North America. Radiological Society of North America. 2023
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