Ear pain can make it incredibly difficult to function normally. There are many different conditions that can lead to ear pain, and it is important to understand the common illnesses that lead to ear pain so that you can treat your symptoms accordingly. In many cases, ear pain is caused by an infection in the ear. Swimmer’s ear is a very common bacterial ear infection. It requires a medical diagnosis and professional treatment to resolve in most cases. Keep reading to learn more about common symptoms of swimmer's ear so that you can get the treatment you need.
If you require diagnosis and treatment for ear pain, AFC Urgent Care Centennial is here to help. Our clinic provides patients in Centennial, CO, and the surrounding communities with walk-in ear pain diagnosis and treatment. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and we never require that you schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into the clinic!
What is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear is a type of ear infection that is caused by a bacterial infection. It is nicknamed swimmer’s ear because it occurs due to water becoming trapped in the ear for extended periods of time, which can result from swimming. Swimmer ear can also be caused by showering or any other activity where water can sneak into your ears.
The presence of water in the ear is problematic because it can break through the protective wax layer in your ear and erode the skin in your ear over time which is what leads to the infection. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear typically start mild but can quickly become incredibly painful.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:
- Itchiness in the ear
- Swollen and red ear
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain that migrates into the face
Does Swimmer’s Ear Require Medical Treatment?
Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection. Because of this, swimmer’s ear requires a diagnosis and treatment by a medical professional to resolve in most cases. Swimmer’s ear can be incredibly painful, so it is important to seek medical care early for any symptoms of swimmer’s ear. Your medical provider will evaluate your ear to determine whether there is any infection present.
Based on the evaluation and any diagnostic testing performed, antibiotic ear drops are usually necessary to clear up swimmer's ear. With proper treatment, swimmer's ear symptoms can resolve within 7-10 days.
Swimmer’s Ear Diagnosis & Treatment Near Centennial, CO
If you’re experiencing pain in your ear, it is important to seek medical care. In most cases, ear infections are caused by bacterial infections. This is also true for swimmer's ear. Unlike viral infections such as a common cold, bacterial infections require antibiotics to resolve the infection. Delaying care can result in your symptoms worsening over time and potentially permanently damaging the inside of your ear. This can make it more likely that you experience future ear infections. If you are experiencing pain while receiving treatment for an ear infection, placing a warm compress over your ear and taking over-the-counter pain medications can help keep you comfortable until the antibiotics resolve the infection.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for Same-Day Swimmer's Ear Treatment
If you’re experiencing ear pain, it is important to seek medical care. Seeking medical care for diagnosis and treatment can help prevent your symptoms from worsening. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for patients in Centennial, CO, and the surrounding communities. We maintain short wait times and never require that you schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you to receive rapid care. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care. Walk into the clinic today!
