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Ear Pain/ Infection

Learning to Swim

An ear infection happens when viruses or bacteria enter the ear canal. Ear infections can cause pain and fever in children and adults.

 

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

  • Fever

  • Ear pain or throbbing

  • A feeling as though your ear is clogged or under pressure

  • Slight difficulty hearing

  • Small amounts of clear or thick, yellow drainage from the ear

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea and/or vomiting

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Types of Ear Infections

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Swimmer's Ear

They can be external (otitis externa) swimmer's ear, or internal (otitis media). Otitis externa, commonly referred to as Swimmer's ear, is an ear infection occurring in the ear and/or outer ear canal. This can cause itching and the ear may become so red and swollen that touch or pressure on the ear is very painful. Pus may drain from the ear. Usually, antibiotics are needed for the treatment of otitis externa.

 

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

The type of ear infection that is typically painful and might improve with the treatment of antibiotics is called acute otitis media (AOM). AOM symptoms include pain, pus in the ear, redness of the eardrum, and fever. Infants or toddlers may be irritable, and children may tug on the affected ear. Antibiotic treatment is often prescribed to children with AOM, but is not always necessary.

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Acute Otitis Media with Effusion (AOME)

Acute otitis media with effusion (AOME) occurs when part of the ear called the eustachian tube gets blocked by fluid. This is the tube that connects the inside of the ear to the back of the throat. Fluid can build up in the middle ear for several reasons, including a cold.  With a cold, the middle ear can get filled with fluid just as the nose does - it just doesn't run out as easily from the middle ear as it does from the nose. Sometimes the fluid can become infected, which leads to AOM. After AOM has been treated with antibiotics or has resolved itself, fluid could remain in the middle ear for a month or longer before it goes away. 

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Don't let an ear infection or ear pain get you down!  Come to Willis Urgent Care and start feeling better today!

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For more information on Ear Pain, see the following websites:

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https://www.emedicinehealth.com/earache/article_em.htm

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https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/default.htm

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Disclaimer: The links above are to sites independent of Willis Urgent Care. The information provided is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding your specific medical questions, treatments, therapies, and other needs.

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