By AFC Urgent Care Coppell
An earache can be anything from a mild annoyance to an intense, throbbing pain that disrupts your day—or your child’s sleep. For families in Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Irving, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Grapevine ear pain is one of the most common reasons for a visit to urgent care, especially during back-to-school season and throughout the winter months.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we see patients of all ages for ear infections and earaches. Whether it’s a toddler pulling at their ear, a swimmer dealing with water-related pain, or an adult experiencing sharp inner ear discomfort, we provide fast, effective relief—without the long waits or high costs of the ER.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about earaches, including:
- Types and causes of ear infections
- Symptoms to watch for in children and adults
- When to visit urgent care
- How ear infections are treated
- What to expect at your AFC Coppell visit
Tips for preventing ear infections in the future
What Causes Earaches and Ear Infections?
Ear pain can result from a number of different conditions, but the most common cause is an ear infection.
The ear is made up of three main parts:
- Outer ear (ear canal)
- Middle ear (space behind the eardrum)
- Inner ear (cochlea and balance organs)
Different types of ear infections affect different parts of the ear:
👂 1. Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
Also known as swimmer’s ear, this is an infection of the ear canal—usually caused by water that gets trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing.
Symptoms include:
- Itchy, red outer ear
- Pain when touching the ear
- Swelling or drainage
- Muffled hearing
This type of infection is especially common in the warmer months and among swimmers in pools, lakes, or water parks across Coppell, Grapevine, and Carrollton.
🦠 2. Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
This is the most common type of ear infection, especially in children under 5. It occurs when bacteria or viruses cause inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
Common causes:
- Colds, sinus infections, or allergies
- Blocked Eustachian tubes (which connect the middle ear to the throat)
- Exposure to cigarette smoke or daycare germs
Symptoms include:
- Ear pain or pressure
- Fever
- Irritability in young children
- Trouble sleeping or eating
- Hearing difficulty
- Fluid or pus drainage
🧠 3. Inner Ear Infections
Though less common, infections of the inner ear can affect balance and hearing.
Symptoms include:
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss
These may signal more serious conditions like labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, which should be evaluated by a medical provider.
Who Gets Ear Infections?
Ear infections can affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable.
High-risk groups in North Texas include:
- Children under 6, especially during cold/flu season
- Adults with seasonal allergies or chronic sinus issues
- Swimmers or frequent bathers
- People with colds, sore throats, or upper respiratory infections
- Smokers or those exposed to secondhand smoke
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we see spikes in ear infection cases during the fall and winter in school-aged children, and during summer months due to swimmer’s ear from local pools in Lewisville, Las Colinas, and Grapevine.
Signs and Symptoms of an Ear Infection
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection and the patient's age.
In Children:
- Crying more than usual
- Tugging or pulling at ears
- Trouble sleeping or eating
- Fever (usually 100°F or higher)
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
In Adults:
- Sharp, dull, or throbbing ear pain
- Fullness or pressure in the ear
- Fever or general fatigue
- Temporary hearing loss
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Jaw or tooth pain
When to Visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell
While some mild earaches may resolve on their own, others require treatment to prevent complications such as ruptured eardrums, hearing loss, or spread of infection.
Come to urgent care if:
- Pain lasts more than 48 hours
- Fever is above 100.4°F, especially in children
- Fluid or pus is draining from the ear
- You or your child have had multiple ear infections in recent months
- The pain is severe or affecting sleep
- Symptoms worsen despite over-the-counter pain relief
We treat patients from Coppell, Irving, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Carrollton, Las Colinas, and beyond with same-day access and on-site diagnostics.
How Ear Infections Are Diagnosed
At AFC Coppell, we use a digital otoscope to look inside the ear canal and behind the eardrum. This allows us to assess for:
- Redness or inflammation
- Fluid buildup
- Eardrum movement
- Signs of rupture or damage
We may also ask about your medical history, cold symptoms, allergy exposure, and swimming habits to determine the root cause of the infection.
Treatment Options for Ear Infections
Your treatment plan will depend on the type of infection, severity, and age of the patient.
For Outer Ear Infections (Swimmer’s Ear):
- Prescription antibiotic ear drops
- Steroid drops to reduce swelling
- Cleaning of the ear canal if needed
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Avoid swimming or inserting anything into the ear until it heals completely.
For Middle Ear Infections:
- Watchful waiting for 24–72 hours in mild cases
- Oral antibiotics (amoxicillin or azithromycin) for bacterial infections
- Pain management with over-the-counter medication
- Ear drops for pain relief in some cases
If symptoms don’t improve or get worse, follow-up treatment may be needed. Chronic infections may require a referral for ear tubes in children.
For Inner Ear Infections:
- Medications to reduce inflammation
- Anti-nausea medications for dizziness
- Referral to a specialist for balance issues or hearing changes
What to Expect During Your Visit to AFC Urgent Care Coppell
We make care for ear infections simple and efficient, whether it’s your child’s first earache or your own chronic discomfort.
Here’s how we help:
- Walk-in availability — no appointment needed
- Open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends
- Friendly, experienced providers
- On-site digital otoscope evaluation
- Prescriptions filled quickly
- Follow-up care instructions
- School and work notes available upon request
We accept most major insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay options for uninsured patients across Lewisville, Las Colinas, Grapevine, and beyond.
Pediatric Care You Can Trust
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons for pediatric urgent care visits—and one of the most painful conditions for kids.
At AFC Coppell, we provide:
- Gentle, compassionate care for little ones
- Ear exams even for toddlers and babies
- Fever management and rehydration
- Antibiotics only when truly necessary
- Parent education to reduce recurrences
How to Prevent Ear Infections
You can’t prevent every infection, but these steps help minimize the risk:
For Children:
- Keep up with childhood vaccinations
- Avoid secondhand smoke exposure
- Breastfeed infants when possible (boosts immune system)
- Keep kids upright during feedings
- Practice good handwashing to prevent colds and flu
For Swimmers:
- Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
- Use ear plugs in chlorinated or lake water
- Tilt head to each side to drain trapped water
- Avoid inserting Q-tips or objects into the ear canal
For Adults:
- Treat allergies and sinus infections promptly
- Use a nasal decongestant during colds to reduce fluid buildup
- Avoid prolonged headphone or earbud use, especially at high volumes
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore an Earache — Relief Is Just a Visit Away
Earaches can be incredibly disruptive, especially for children or those with chronic sinus issues. Whether you're dealing with sharp pain, muffled hearing, or fluid buildup, prompt evaluation and treatment can prevent complications and get you back to normal faster.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we treat ear infections and earaches with care, speed, and expertise. From toddlers to seniors, we serve families throughout Coppell, Lewisville, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Irving, Carrollton, and Grapevine—with walk-in convenience every day of the week.
Walk In Today for Relief from Ear Pain
📍 Conveniently located in Coppell, TX — near Lewisville, Flower Mound Irving, and Grapevine
