Between the pain and pressure in your ears, the dizziness and difficulty hearing, and the overall feeling of being sick, ear infections can be a huge headache. Viral ear infections have a lot in common with bacterial ear infections. Our medical team at Integrity Urgent Care can help you as you recover from this common issue.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a viral ear infection will be very similar to a bacterial ear infection. Pain and discomfort, from sharp pain to feeling “clogged”, will be the most common. Pressure in your ears, sinuses, and head are frequently experienced. Some tenderness around the ears and a small amount of drainage are typical as well. With a viral infection, you may also be feeling symptoms of the infection in other ways. According to Healthline, young children may pull at their ear, lose balance easily, or fail to react to certain sounds.
Treatment
At the root of the issue, it is difficult to treat a viral infection although medicines are entering the field more to help with this. Our clinics can help treat some of your symptoms, or at least alleviate some of the struggles you are having. We recommend you stay hydrated and get plenty of rest when you have any viral infection and, if your pressure is great enough, we may recommend draining some of the fluid off. This may or may not be the best course of action for every patient, however.
Prevention
With a viral infection of any kind, the best kind of medicine are preventative measures we have all become familiar with. Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after eating or preparing food, drinking, touching your face, sneezing, coughing, and using the restroom. Soap and water are very effective, but a sanitizer can stand in when hand washing facilities aren’t available. Clean high touch surfaces frequently, following the instructions on the cleaner since some need to air dry for maximum efficiency. If you are sick, stay home until you are better.
When To See a Doctor
If you are experiencing a lot of pain or drainage from the ears or if you have a fever over 102, you will want to see a doctor to make sure the infection isn’t causing further damage. If you are having symptoms or illness for more than a few days, you should see one of our medical staff as well. For children or adults who are having ear infections regularly, you may need to see a specialist to evaluate whether or not you need surgical intervention with the placement of tubes to help fluid drain easier.
To get help with a bacterial or viral ear infection, come see our staff at Integrity Urgent Care today. We have a number of locations with convenient hours that can help you get treatment. Our professional staff will strive to get you seen, your questions answered, and get you back home to rest as quickly as possible. We want you to feel better, and soon!
