Are you experiencing pain and general discomfort in your ear? Ear infections are common summertime ailments. They can occur due to a variety of underlying causes. However, in the summer, ear infections are commonly caused by water getting trapped inside of the ear canal. Ear infections can lead to unpleasant symptoms, and it is vital that you seek urgent medical care before traveling if you think that you have an ear infection. Flying with an ear infection can potentially cause your eardrum to burst due to the excessive inflammation inside of the ear.
If you’re experiencing ear pain and have upcoming travel, walk into AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch. Our walk-in urgent care clinic provides convenient medical care for minor conditions like ear infections. Our clinic is open 7 days a week, including on weekends, and we don’t require patients to schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot online in advance using the button below.
What Causes an Ear Infection
Ear infections happen when moisture is trapped within the ear canal, leading to excessive bacteria growth. Ear infections can happen due to many different conditions. Illnesses like the common cold can cause inflammation and congestion in the ear canal which can cause an infection. In the summertime, water getting trapped inside of the ear canal after a swim is a very common cause of ear infections. Ear infections are caused by bacterial growth, which means that most ear infections require antibiotics to fully cure.
Common Ear Infection Symptoms
Ear infections are easy to detect because they cause severe discomfort in the ear. Symptoms typically begin 1-2 days after moisture is introduced into the ear canal, and can last over a week without proper treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Pain inside of the ear
- Itching in the ear
- Headaches
- Fever
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Trouble hearing
- Difficulty balancing
Why You Can’t Fly With an Ear Infection
Ear infections are minor conditions that are easily treated. However, flying with an ear infection generally is not recommended. This is because the inflammation in the ear that is caused by the infection can put pressure on the ear canal. In severe cases, this can cause the ear drum to burst, which can be incredibly painful and lengthen your overall recovery time.
If you think you have an ear infection, seeking medical care is crucial. Your medical provider will evaluate your ear canal to determine whether there is an infection present. Based on their exam, they may prescribe antibiotics and suggest at-home care to help you recover quickly.
Walk into AFC West Long Branch for Same-Day Ear Infection Treatment
Ear infections can be incredibly painful. If you’re on vacation and are experiencing ear infection symptoms, you should seek medical care for treatment. Traveling on a plane with an ear infection can lead to complications like a burst ear drum. At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our clinic is available every day to provide rapid treatment for ear infections. Our clinic has short wait times and is open on weekends.
When you visit AFC West Long Branch for ear infection treatment, our medical staff will quickly and effectively evaluate your symptoms and provide the necessary treatment to get you on the road to recovery. Our clinic works with most medical insurance providers, and we offer affordable rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, give us a call at (732) 222-8000.
