If you’re someone who enjoys swimming in the summertime, you may not think about the potential health risks associated with spending a day at the pool or beach. However, exposing your ears to water puts you at a high risk of developing an ear infection. Ear infections called swimmer’s ear are extremely common during the summertime, and it is caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal, often following a swim. Keep reading to learn more about symptoms and treatment options for swimmer’s ear.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of swimmer’s ear and need fast symptom relief, walk into AFC Urgent Care Stoneham. Our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide same-day care for ear infections on a walk-in basis. Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot online in advance below.
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
Ear infections can be very painful, depending on the severity of the infection. Symptoms usually begin 2-3 days after water exposure and can last over a week without proper treatment. It is important to seek medical care if you notice any symptoms of an ear infection, or think you have water in your ear, so that you can get proper treatment. Symptoms of an ear infection to watch out for include:
- Pain inside of the ear
- Itching in and around the ear
- Fever
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Trouble hearing
- Trouble balancing
- Chills
- Body aches
- Fatigue
Diagnosis & Treatment for Ear Infections
If you suspect that you have an ear infection, you should seek medical care. Ear infections are caused by bacterial growth deep within the ear. Although mild cases can resolve on their own, many cases of ear infections require special antibiotics in the form of ear drops to clear up the infection. Your medical provider will evaluate the inside of your ear to determine whether there is an infection. Based on their findings, they may prescribe prescription ear drops and recommend other at-home care instructions to keep you comfortable while you recover. Most symptoms resolve within a few days after treatment begins.
Ear Infection Prevention Tips
Ear infections are particularly common during the summertime due to increased water-related activities that expose your ear canals to moisture. If you’re concerned about developing an ear infection, there are a few ways you can lower your chances. Firstly, avoiding dunking your head underwater can greatly reduce the odds of getting water deep in your ear canal. Wearing earplugs when you’re swimming can also help. If you do feel water in your ear, be sure to shake it out as best as possible, and seek urgent care if you can’t get it out on your own.
Walk into AFC Stoneham for Same-Day Ear Infection Diagnosis & Treatment
Ear infections are common during the summertime due to water exposure. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, it is important that you seek medical care so that you can begin treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, our walk-in clinic offers same-day ear infection diagnosis and treatment, all on a walk-in basis. Your medical provider will evaluate your ear and determine the most effective course of treatment.
Our clinic is open 7 days a week to provide rapid care for minor conditions like ear infections. We never require patients to schedule an appointment in advance; simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient. We have short wait times and are open on weekends. Our clinic accepts most health insurance plans and offers affordable care for self-paying patients. To learn more, give our team a call at (781) 279-4000.
