Ear Infection

Though not all ear infections need antibiotics, you shouldn’t ignore ear pain. The team at Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, diagnose and treat ear infections in kids and adults. To get relief from your ear infection, call or schedule an appointment online today. Virtual visits are available and walk-ins are welcome.

What is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection, also called otitis media, is inflammation of the middle ear, the area behind the eardrum. Anyone can get an ear infection, but they’re most common in children. 

You can develop an ear infection following a viral or bacterial infection or from allergies. Your middle ear is warm and moist. When you have a cold or flu, fluid builds up in this part of the ear, making it the perfect environment for growing germs that lead to inflammation and infection.  

What are the symptoms of an Ear Infection?

Most people with an ear infection have ear pain. Other symptoms might include:

• Fever
• Difficulty hearing
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Poor appetite
• Drainage from the ear

Ear infections may clear up on their own without the need for prescription medication. However, you shouldn’t ignore your symptoms. Ear infections may cause complications like a ruptured eardrum. 

The Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy team provides expert urgent care for ear infections. They offer pediatric care and adult care. 

What happens during an evaluation for an Ear Infection?

Your provider performs a comprehensive exam during an ear infection evaluation. 

They review symptoms and medical history and examine the ear. They also ask about any recent infections or allergies that might explain the cause of your ear infection. 

Your provider may also take a sample of any fluid draining from the ear to determine what germ is causing your infection. 

What are the treatments for an Ear Infection?

The team at Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy customizes ear infection care based on the severity of the infection. For a mild ear infection, the team may take a wait-and-see approach and recommend using over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to manage symptoms.

If you have a moderate to severe infection or an ear infection that fails to improve within a week, the team may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. You must take the full course of antibiotics to prevent a recurrence of your infection. 

In severe cases, the team may suggest a tympanostomy, a procedure where they place a small tube in the ear to drain the fluid.

For relief from your ear infection, call Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy or book an appointment online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.