Fast Relief For Ear Pain or Ear Infection at Fam Urgent Care
Ear infections aren’t just a childhood problem. Adults can get them too, often with pain, pressure, or muffled hearing that makes daily life uncomfortable.
At Family Urgent Care, our medical providers treat ear infections in children and adults across Illinois and Indiana.
Whether you’re experiencing sharp pain, fluid drainage, or symptoms of a cold or sinus infection, we’ll examine your ear, identify the cause, and create a personalized treatment plan, usually all in the same visit.
Walk in any day or book a same-day appointment online. Your ear pain relief is just one visit away.
Common Symptoms Of Ear Infections
Ear infections can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the type and severity. In both adults and children, you may notice:
- Sharp or throbbing ear pain
- A feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear
- Temporary hearing loss or muffled sounds
- Fluid or pus-like discharge
- Difficulty balancing or dizziness (in some cases)
In infants and toddlers, signs of an ear infection may include:
- Tugging or pulling at the ear
- Trouble sleeping or frequent waking
- Crying more than usual
- Fever (often mild)
Refusing to eat or drink
As a parent, if you notice any of these behaviors or symptoms in your child, you can contact or visit us right away.
What Causes Ear Infection In Children Or Adults?
In children, ear infection mostly occurs when the tube (eustachian tube) between the ear and mouth gets clogged or inflamed for any reason. As a result, the fluid builds up behind the eardrum, causing ear pain.
Some of the common causes that clog this tube in adults or children are:
- Sinus infections
- Cold and flu
- Allergies
- Excess mucus and
- Saliva
Some other causes that can lead to ear infections include:
- Ear wax build-up
- Tobacco smoke
- Foreign objects in the ear
What Are Some Common Types Of Ear Infections?
Once you visit Family Urgent Care, our experienced medical staff asks you about the symptoms and examines your ear to rule out the type of ear infection. Most commonly, there are three types of ear infections:
Outer Ear infection:
This is also known as swimmer’s ear, as it is most common in kids or adults who spend a lot of time in water. This excessive moisture causes fungal or bacterial growth inside, leading to an outer ear infection.
Middle Ear infection:
This type of infection occurs behind your ear drum due to many reasons. The most common cause of middle ear infection is the collection of fluid inside the ear due to allergies, cold, sore throat or respiratory tract infection.
Inner Ear infection:
This infection is most common in adults aged 30 to 60 rather than in children. It mostly occurs when a viral infection of the chest, ear, nose or mouth spreads into the inner side of the ear. Some of the common symptoms that signal this infection are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, hearing changes, body balance issues and ear pain.
When to Visit for Ear infection Treatment At Fam Urgent Care
Do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you have persistent ear pain lasting more than a day. You can schedule your appointment with us or even visit the clinic directly.
Contact our healthcare providers immediately if you or your child has:
- Ear pain persists for more than a day or two
- Recurrent ear infection
Fluid or pus discharge from the ear - Has muffled hearing or ear pain along with sore throat, cold and flu
- Experience fever or headache.
Our providers will assess your symptoms, rule out the cause and devise a treatment plan according to your condition. Don’t let ear pain disrupt your day – book your appointment now to find relief from troublesome ear infections.
What Are Some Common Types Of Ear Infections?
No, an ear infection itself isn’t contagious but the underlying cause often is. Viruses that lead to cold, flu, or sinus infections (which can trigger ear infections) are contagious. That’s why ear infections are common in children after a cold or upper respiratory illness.
Yes. Urgent care is one of the best places to get fast, same-day treatment for an ear infection. At Family Urgent Care, we treat ear pain and infections in adults, children, and infants. No appointment is needed, and we’re open extended hours, including evenings, so that you can come in after work, school, or whenever symptoms appear.
An ear infection itself does not directly cause pink eye. However, both conditions can sometimes happen together because the same bacteria or may infect the ears and the eyes at the same time. This is especially common in children and is sometviruses imes called otitis – conjunctivitis syndrome. If you or your child has symptoms of both, like ear pain with red, irritated eyes, it’s best to see a doctor, since treatment may be needed for both infections.
Yes, We can treat treats ear infections in infants, toddlers, and children of all ages. Our board-certified consultants and health providers can diagnose the cause of ear pain, offer gentle treatment, and help your child feel better fast.
Doxycycline is not commonly prescribed for routine ear infections. It may be used in certain adult cases with complicated or chronic infections, but children are typically treated with safer first-line antibiotics like amoxicillin. Always consult a medical provider before taking antibiotics for ear pain.
Mullein Oil is a natural remedy sometimes used to soothe ear pain caused by mild infections or irritation. To use it, warm the Oil slightly (never hot), and place 1–2 drops in the affected ear. However, you should not use mullein Oil if there’s fluid, pus, or a ruptured eardrum. Always speak with a healthcare provider before trying home remedies, especially for children.
