When the temperature starts to drop during the fall, cases of contagious illnesses tend to increase. Viral infections like colds and the flu can easily spread in an indoor environment like an office or school. While getting a cold is a minor illness which often goes away on its own, colds can cause irritating and unpleasant symptoms like severe congestion, coughing and fatigue. In some cases, colds can cause earaches due to the build up of mucus deep within the sinuses near the ear canal.
At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, our walk-in urgent care clinic offers convenient and affordable care for cold symptoms, including earaches. Simply walk in for rapid care, we have the shortest wait times in the area! We’re open Monday through Saturday in Kent, WA. Walk in today, or schedule your visit below.
Why Do Colds Cause Earaches?
A cold is a viral infection which primarily affects the upper respiratory tract including the lungs, airway and sinuses. Earaches can sometimes occur as the result of a cold. This is especially common for young children because of their small ear and sinus canals. It happens when your sinuses are inflamed due to severe congestion. The ear canals and sinuses are near each other, so swollen sinuses can cause the ear canal to become irritated.
How to Alleviate a Cold-Induced Earache
If you’re experiencing pressure in your ear canals, or pain, don’t panic. This is likely due to the increased sinus pressure you’re experiencing if you’re sick with a cold. You can reduce this pressure and decrease ear pain by addressing the buildup in your sinuses. OTC decongestants and nasal rinses are very effective in decreasing mucus production and clearing out mucus buildup from the sinuses.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you’re experiencing severe ear pain, have discharge or a fever, you should seek medical care. While a cold can cause some discomfort, these symptoms indicate that you likely have an ear infection. Similarly, if you are congested and cannot manage your symptoms, your medical provider will be able to evaluate and diagnose your symptoms to create an effective treatment plan.
Walk Into AFC Southcenter for Same-Day Cold Symptom Relief
Cold symptoms can be irritating to manage, and can also lead to painful symptoms like ear pain and sinus inflammation. If you’re feeling under the weather and having trouble managing your symptoms, seeking medical care is the best way to get on the road to recovery. Your medical provider can evaluate your symptoms, perform any necessary diagnostic testing and provide you with a customized treatment plan.
At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, our team of dedicated medical providers are available Monday through Saturday to provide same-day illness symptom care for common conditions like colds and ear pain. We don’t require patients to schedule an appointment in advance, just walk in for rapid same-day care, we have the shortest wait times in the area. Our clinic works with most medical insurance plans, and we have affordable rates for self-paying patients. Walk in today for same-day care!
