The Painful Truth About Adult Ear Infections

If you have a sharp or stabbing pain in the ear, it could be due to an ear infection. Many adults do not think they can get ear infections, but they are not limited to children. Ascent ER offers emergency care in Houston for ear infections in both kids and adults. They can occur in the middle of the ear, the outer ear, or the inner ear.

What is it?

Ear infections can result from inflammation, viruses, bacteria, or water left in the area after bathing or swimming. They are found more often in children because they have smaller Eustachian tubes, which can become blocked much more easily than larger ones in adults.

Symptoms of Ear Infection

Symptoms of an ear infection are pretty straightforward and can include any of the following:

• Pain in the ear
• Muffled hearing
• Feeling pressure or fullness in the ear
• Drainage from the ear
• Nausea

If you experience an ear infection with ear pain along with a high fever or nausea, then you should visit an Ascent ER near you for a complete analysis of your ear and immediate treatment. Ascent ER provides comprehensive care for patients who have infections in the ear and other parts of the body.

Prevention

The best way to prevent ear infections is to completely dry ears after spending time in bodies of water. This includes taking baths and swimming in pools, as well as sitting in jacuzzies. Smoking can also increase the likelihood of developing infections, as will secondhand smoke. Keep away from individuals suffering from respiratory diseases, and make sure your allergies are well-managed.

Treatment

Ear infections are commonly treated with antibiotics. If you are not treated for ear infections, the infection may spread to other parts of the body and head. It can also cause hearing loss that lasts permanently. If you have a persistent infection that does not respond to antibiotics, you may need a professional at an emergency room near you to explore other treatment options. These can include different antibiotics or tubes for the ear.