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Ear Infection

Primary Care & Urgent Care in Tacoma, WA

While they affect more children than adults, ear infections can lead to severe and long-lasting complications. At Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center, their team works closely with people of all ages to offer the most comprehensive and effective treatment to promptly revitalize ear canals. If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to make sure your child stays protected against these types of infections, call the office in Tacoma, Washington, or request an appointment online today. 

Ear Infection
Preguntas frecuentes

What is an ear infection?


An ear infection refers to inflammation of either the ear canal or the middle ear. There are two main types of ear infections:


Otitis media


Otitis media refers to an infection of the middle ear. There are two main types of Otitis media:

  • Fluid that builds up in the middle ear with few symptoms
  • Fluid that builds up in the middle ear due to a viral or bacterial infection

Acute otitis externa (AOE)


Acute otitis externa refers to an infection or inflammation of the ear canal. This is also called swimmer’s ear. In most cases, AOE exhibits symptoms immediately due to a bacterial infection.


What causes an ear infection?


There are many different causes of ear infections, including:

  • Bacteria
  • Cold and flu season
  • Injuries to the ear
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Family history

Children between the ages of six months and two years old are more susceptible to ear infections since they haven’t yet developed a healthy immune system, and their ear canals haven’t yet properly developed.


What are the symptoms of ear infections?


Symptoms of ear infection vary according to whether you’re a child or an adult. In adults, symptoms include ear pain, weak hearing, and fluid drainage in the ear. In children, however, the symptoms are more extensive. Symptoms of ear infections in children include, but are not limited to:

  • Ear pain
  • Sleeping problems
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Balance loss
  • Irritability
  • Continuous crying
  • Headaches
  • Drainage

It’s essential that you schedule an appointment with Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center if you or your child is exhibiting any of the above symptoms.


How do you treat ear infections?


While you should schedule an appointment as soon as you can, symptoms can dissipate within a few days. If symptoms don’t go away within a week, you definitely need medical treatment.


The team at Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center can prescribe pain medication, like Tylenol and Advil, to help with discomfort. They might also recommend antibiotics to reduce inflammation.


In most extreme cases, ear infections require a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Your provider can talk to you about whether you might need tympanostomy tubes in your ear to help with the drainage of excess fluid.


Ear infections can be treated with expert medical attention. At Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center, their team gives you immediate relief and prevents recurrent symptoms. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or requesting one online today.