Ear infections are common ailments. While young children are especially susceptible to developing ear infections due to the size of their ear canals, anyone can get an ear infection. There are multiple different kinds of ear infections, however, the most common ear infection during the summer months is a middle ear infection caused by excess moisture in the ear canal.
If you’re experiencing ear pain or symptoms of an ear infection, AFC Urgent Care Bedford is here to help. Our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for ear infections, including earwax removal and infection treatment. Our medical providers are fully board-certified and trained to provide superior care for minor conditions like ear infections. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot online in advance below.
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
Ear infections can be extremely painful. The most common symptom of an ear infection is ear pain, but did you know that ear infections can also cause additional symptoms? Keeping an eye out for these symptoms can help you identify the infection early so that you can treat your infection before it becomes severe.
Common symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Itchiness in the ear
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Difficulty hearing
- Balance issues
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Headaches
Ear Infection Diagnosis & Treatment
When you seek medical care for symptoms of an ear infection, your medical provider will evaluate your ear to determine whether there are signs of an infection. Ear infections are bacterial, meaning that they often require antibiotics for treatment. Your medical provider will review your medical history and determine the best course of treatment to clear up the infection. In some cases, earwax buildup can also cause symptoms similar to an ear infection. Your medical provider will rule out an earwax buildup during their examination. In most cases, ear infections resolve within a couple of weeks with proper treatment.
Tips for Preventing Ear Infections in the Summer
Ear infection cases tend to increase during the summer months. This can happen for a variety of reasons, however, exposure to water is often a driving cause of ear infections. When you swim, water and debris can enter the ear canal. In some cases, this liquid can get stuck inside of the ear canal. Bacteria will grow in stagnant water and lead to an infection if the water is not removed quickly. Always be sure to shake out any water that you can feel in your ears after swimming or showering. If you’re prone to ear infections, opting not to dunk your head in bodies of water can help prevent infections from forming.
Walk Into AFC Bedford for Same-Day Ear Infection Treatment
Ear infection symptoms can be very painful. With proper treatment, ear infections resolve quickly. However, delaying treatment will cause your symptoms to be more severe. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our walk-in clinic makes it convenient to receive prompt care for minor conditions like ear infections.
Our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week, including on weekends. We never require patients to schedule an appointment. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for same-day care. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for self-paying patients. Walk in today or call us to learn more at (781) 430-8161.
