Ear pain is a common symptom that is associated with many different injuries, illnesses and simple lifestyle changes. It could mean a flareup of allergies, a change in elevation or an ear infection.

If your ear has been bothering you lately and your symptoms aren’t going away, an evaluation may help determine whether you have an ear infection.

Our AFC Urgent Care TN locations can help with this diagnosis, and we explain what an ear infection is below.

How Do Ear Infections Start?

If fluid containing bacteria or a virus gets trapped in your inner ear, it can grow into an ear infection. As the bacteria or virus replicates and grows, it can cause pain and pressure to build up in your middle ear. While it is more common to occur in only one ear at a time, it could certainly affect both and cause symptoms in each ear.

Ear infections can also produce other symptoms in addition to the pain and discomfort. Since it is an infection, your body has to fight it off like any other infection! A fever is common, as well as fatigue or a general lack of energy.

Those at a Higher Risk of Ear Infections

• Children between ages 3 months and 3 years
• People with chronic medical conditions
• People with allergies
• Those with a family history of ear infections

Can I Treat an Ear Infection on My Own?

The nice thing about ear infections is that many of them don’t require medical intervention. Our immune systems are capable of overcoming them without treatment! Prioritize rest and plenty of fluids, and you can expect to feel better in a few days.

If this isn’t the case for you and your symptoms fail to go away or get worse, come see us! Certain infections require antibiotics to fully go away, so we can do a full evaluation and look into your ears to get to the root of your issue. In any case, we are here for you.

Additional Ear Infection Symptoms

• Pain inside ear
• Fever
• Discharge coming from ear
• Pressure in the ear
• Difficulty hearing

Is ear pain affecting your day? Drop by one of our AFC Urgent Care TN locations today.