Ear infections sound terrifying, but most of the time, people find it the type of condition that naturally heals on its own at home. While it’s undoubtedly a painful experience and can often make it difficult to hear for a few days, the uneasy symptoms of ear infections should fade within a few days.
While most ear infections shouldn’t be too alarming, it’s still important to keep a watchful eye over the progression of your condition. The symptoms may take a turn for the worse, so when you notice any pain, lingering hearing problems, and other persisting discomforts, it’s best to head onto your nearest urgent care clinic to address the ear infection before it becomes a bigger problem.
Red Flags that Indicate Your Ear Infection Warrants a Trip to Your Urgent Care Clinic
Sign #1: Persisting Pain
Ear infections feel uncomfortable and reasonably painful, but as mentioned above, they should ease up after a few days. But when the pain still feels just as intense, if not more, for several days, then it’s better to consult with your doctor and have your condition checked.
Your urgent care clinic may describe antibiotics to fight the infection depending on its severity or suggest other treatment options if they find something else aggravating your condition.
Sign #2: Additional and Alarming Symptoms
Pain and difficult hearing are common symptoms of an ear infection, but it’s time to take a trip to your urgent care clinic immediately once you spot other detrimental side effects such as the following:
- Stiffness in the face;
- Inflammation behind or under the ear;
- Knot formations surrounding the ear;
- High fever;
- Seizures
- Discharge from the ear;
- Lethargy
- Irritability
The symptoms above reveal that your ear infection either worsened or there are other underlying conditions that are making matters worse for your health.
Sign #3: Frequent Ear Infections
While most ear infections shouldn’t be too alarming, dealing with the condition every few months is definitely a troublesome sign that something wrong is happening behind the scenes. Home remedies like ibuprofen and hot compresses should also ease the discomfort an ear infection brings, but when it doesn’t, it’s best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Sign #4: Ear Infections in Children Under Six Months Old
Ear infections may be a passing condition for adults, but it can be risky for children, especially for babies under six months old. If you notice your toddler suffering signs of an ear infection, don’t wait for the signs above and take them to their doctor immediately.
The Bottom Line: When You Should Visit the Doctor If Dealing with Ear Infections
It’s easy to think that ear infections are simple enough to treat at home, that’s why many people choose to shrug off its symptoms. While common ear infections can heal up with home remedies, the signs above should put you on your feet and on your way to the best urgent care clinic in town.
Are You Looking for the Best Kids Urgent Care?
Parents want nothing but the best for their kids; that’s why it’s only right to treat their discomfort from injuries or illnesses at the best urgent care for children in Orlando, FL. We offer 24/7 medical services, so you don’t have to worry about rushing to the emergency room when your child gets sick after-hours.
