Convenient Ear Infection Treatment Offered to Individuals Throughout the Tampa Bay Area
An ear infection is a common infection that can affect both adults and children. It’s caused by bacteria that lodges in the ear canal. Symptoms of an ear infection include a foul smell, discharge from the ear, pain when you move your ear, and a high fever. An ear infection causes hearing loss if left untreated. Ear infections are treated with antibiotics and often without apparent symptoms, making diagnosing it very difficult.
Ear infections can be a frustrating experience, no matter what age you are. The bacteria that cause ear infections can persist for weeks or even months after the person has recovered, so it’s important to know what to do if you develop an ear infection and how to prevent it.
Signs and Symptoms
Most people experience ear infections at some point in their lives. Ear infections are caused by several different things and can range from mild to severe. An ear infection’s most common signs and symptoms include a discharge from the ear, pain when you move your ear, fever, and difficulty hearing. In addition, ear infections result from various things, including allergies, the flu, a virus, or even an accumulation of wax in the ear canal. If you think you may have an ear infection, be sure to see your doctor for a diagnosis.
How Can You Treat an Ear Infection?
If you have an ear infection, there are a few things that you need to know to treat it. First, it is essential to remember that several different things can cause an ear infection, so get a proper diagnosis. Antibiotics can be prescribed by the physician if you have an ear infection caused by the common cold or the flu. However, if your ear infection is due to bacteria, your doctor may instead prescribe a topical antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics. If your ear infection is due to a yeast or fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication. Finally, if your ear infection is caused by trauma or surgery to the ears, your doctor may recommend hearing aids or surgery.
What to Do If an Ear Infection Continues to Cause Problems?
If you’re experiencing persistent ear infection symptoms, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. If your symptoms are severe, including fever, headache, and pain in the ear, you should go to the emergency room. Ear infections can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
There is no set number of days an ear infection should persist before you visit a doctor, but taking preventive steps such as washing your hands often and avoiding touching your face can help speed up the healing process. If antibiotics are necessary, take them for the prescribed period to ensure the best results.
Prevention Tips for Ear Infections
Like most people, you don’t think about ear infections much. But they’re one of the most common health problems in the United States, affecting more than 20 million people yearly. That’s because ear infections are caused by bacteria entering your ear through the ear canal, and the bacteria can get into your ear even if you have no symptoms at all.
Most ear infections are caused by the bacteria Streptococcus Pneumonia (pneumococcus). Pneumococcus is a common infection cause, spreading through contact with saliva, mucus, or other respiratory secretions. So it’s essential to keep your immune system strong by vaccinating against pneumococcus and practicing good hygiene.
If you’re a parent of a young child, then you likely know all too well how common ear infections can be. If you want your child to receive timely and convenient ear infection treatment in the Tampa Bay area, look to TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track. We have 10 urgent care centers located throughout the Tampa Bay area where patients ages 3 months and older can receive comprehensive health care from board-certified medical providers. We see patients for a wide array of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including ear infections, and deliver patient-centered care in a warm and welcoming environment.
Treating an Ear Infection
Though over-the-counter pain medications may help, ear infection treatment often includes the use of antibiotics or prescription eardrops. At TGH Urgent Care, our team will evaluate your child, diagnose the issue, and recommend the best course of treatment. If a prescription is needed, we can fill it at our in-house pharmacy so treatment can begin immediately.
Offering Unmatched Convenience
Our facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, so it’s easy to find a time that fits your hectic day-to-day schedule. Patients are seen first-come, first-served, and many visits are completed in less than an hour. And, we offer discounted self-pay options for our patients who are uninsured.
If you or your child require prompt ear infection treatment, contact TGH Urgent Care today or visit our location nearest you. If you’d like to reduce your wait time, sign in online using our Fast Pass system before you arrive.
