When you are not feeling well as an adult, you often assume that you just have some passing bug or minor issue that will resolve itself on its own. However, by thinking in this way, many adults do not seek out treatment when they should for health issues that require medical treatment and interventions. One such condition that often gets overlooked is the ear infection. Get to know some of the signs that you might have an ear infection as well as what you should do if you suspect you have one. Then, you can be sure that you are taking steps to deal with your ear infection and get your symptoms relieved as soon as possible. 

Problems Hearing

Ear infections can cause a swelling of the eardrum as well as buildup of wax and other discharge in your ear. Because of all of these issues, one of the most common signs of an ear infection to be aware of is trouble hearing. If you notice that you are suddenly hearing everything in muffled tones or that you need to crank the TV up extra loud in order to make out the voices, you may have an ear infection. 

You should not have to walk through your day with your hearing muffled or completely absent if you do not absolutely have to, and when hearing loss is the result of an ear infection, you do not have to. With proper treatment and rest, ear infection-related hearing loss often heals completely. 

Sharp Pain Followed By Drainage

Another major sign that you have a severe ear infection if you experience sudden sharp pain followed by a feeling of drainage coming from your ear. The drainage often feels like warm water flowing from your ear. 

The problem is, this is not warm water. When you experience these sensations it is likely due to a burst eardrum. The warm liquid you feel is likely pus or other similarly infected fluid that had built up in the eardrum. It is important to make sure that fluid drains from your ear to prevent the spread of the infection to elsewhere in your ear. 

Pain and Aching in the Ear

Pain and aching are also common symptoms of an ear infection. If your ear hurts throughout the day, hurts when you swallow, or you otherwise feel discomfort in the region of your ear, there is likely an infection involved. 

Fever

Severe ear infections can cause a fever as well. A fever over 100.4 degrees is often cause for concern and should be addressed as soon as possible to keep the infection from worsening. 

What You Should Do

If you are experiencing these signs of an ear infection, you should seek medical attention right away. Whenever possible, you want to get to a doctor before you experience a burst eardrum as the pain can be excruciating and the event can potentially cause permanent hearing loss. If your primary care doctor's office is not open when your symptoms develop, head to an urgent care clinic for immediate attention. The sooner you receive a diagnosis and proper medications, the sooner you will experience relief from your ear infection symptoms. 

Knowing these facts about ear infections and what you can do about it, head to the urgent care clinic right away if you have symptoms. Contact a center like MED7 Urgent Care Center for more information.

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