Ear Infection Treatment Doctor in San Antonio

When germs travel through connected passageways and into the eustachian tubes, an infection can occur. These painful infections can be caused by bacteria or a virus. The infected areas will swell, prevent proper drainage, and cause sharp pains. Middle ear infections are usually caused by common colds, allergies, and influenza. Outer ear infections, otherwise referred to as swimmer’s ear, are often caused by frequent swimming, bathing, and sauna use.

Unfortunately, some people are more prone to contracting ear infections than others. For example, if you have a preexisting condition such as diabetes or psoriasis, you are more likely to get an ear infection.

Treatment of your ear infection will be highly dependent on what type of infection you have and how severe it is. In the case of a bacterial infection, you’ll be prescribed an antibiotic or prescription ear drops. Antibiotics aren’t effective in treating viral infections, so you’ll likely be treated with prescription ear drops, over-the-counter medications, decongestants, or antihistamines. In mild ear infections, your doctor may not prescribe anything at all unless the infection becomes worse or simply won’t go away.

Preventing An Ear Infection
There are a few measures you can take starting right now to prevent future ear infections:

– Clean and dry out your ears after spending time in the water
– Quit smoking
– Treat allergies properly
– Refrain from cleaning your ears out with cotton swabs
– Treat pre-existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
– Avoid putting your fingers in your ears, especially after being in a dirty environment
– Wash your hands frequently after using the washroom or coming into close contact with someone who is sick

If you don’t want to go to the doctor right away, you can buy non-prescription ear drops that may clear up the infection. Alternatively, you can mix a solution of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar together and put a few drops into your ear canals once a day. This is not recommended for anyone with a preexisting ear injury. If neither of these work, call your doctor or a physician for a more aggressive treatment against the infection.

Another helpful tip to lessen symptoms is to apply a warm compress to your ear. Take 20 to 30 minutes to lay down, rest, and sit with a warm compress. This should help reduce pain and swelling. You can also take Advil or another over-the-counter medication to ease painful symptoms.

If you start to experience symptoms like vertigo, quick, intense ear pain, ringing ears, nausea, vomiting, or bloody discharge, make an appointment or visit an urgent care center as soon as possible. These are signs of a ruptured eardrum and should be treated immediately.

It’s important to know whether your ear infection is viral or bacterial because this will determine your treatment. Symptoms of a bacterial infection include ear pain, mild to severe fever, loss of balance, difficulty hearing, and fluid coming from the ear canal. This type of infection usually lasts a lot longer than a viral infection. Signs of a viral ear infection include an earache, mild fever, and pressure build-up. Viral infections last about 3 days, whereas a bacterial infection can last for about 10 to 14 days.

Whether your ear infection is viral or bacterial, Fast Aid Urgent Care is here for all of your medical needs. Call us to make an appointment or walk-in during business hours, and we’ll give you the medical attention you need. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Windcrest TX, Selma TX, Bastrop TX, Paige TX, Smithville TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Helotes TX, La Grange TX, Rabbs Prairie TX, Halsted TX, Leon Springs TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Cross Mountain TX, New Braunfels TX, Hunter TX, Zorn TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Rio Medina TX, Rolling Oaks Estates TX, Dripping Springs, TX, Saddletree Ranch TX, Belterra TX, Lemon Creek Boerne TX, Scenic Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Belle Chasse LA, Timberlane LA, Woodmere LA, and surrounding areas.