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Ear Infection services offered in Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows and Mt. Prospect, IL
Ear infections can cause unbearable pain, especially in young children. If you or your child has persistent ear pain or fluid is draining from the ear, you can rely on the patient-centered care available at NewMed Immediate Care. Its experienced medical team offers diagnostic evaluations to confirm an active infection. They also customize a care plan to relieve pain and clear the ear infection so you can feel better fast. Call the Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, or Rolling Meadows, Illinois, office today to schedule a consultation for symptoms of an ear infection. You can also book an appointment online or walk into the office for treatment.
What causes an ear infection?
An ear infection develops when bacteria settle in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This causes the eustachian tubes that run from the ear to the back of the throat to become inflamed, which can prevent fluids from draining properly.
Infected fluids can cause pain and trigger temporary hearing loss. Untreated infections can also spread outside of the ear and lead to more serious health complications.
NewMed Immediate Care provides diagnostic testing and treatment services for adults and kids with an active ear infection.
The skilled medical team can also address recurrent ear infections that stem from chronic allergies and other conditions.
What are the symptoms of an ear infection?
Symptoms of an ear infection generally come on suddenly and can gradually worsen. Ear infections most often develop after a cold or as a side effect of allergies, sinusitis, or an upper respiratory condition.
In adults, symptoms can include ear pain, fluid drainage, and difficulty hearing. A child with an ear infection may be irritable, have trouble sleeping, and stop responding to sounds. They might also pull at their ear and have physical symptoms like:
- Fever
- Headache
- Ear drainage
- Balance issues
Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at NewMed Immediate Care if you or your child has symptoms of an ear infection that last for longer than 1-2 days. An urgent care visit is also important if a symptomatic child is 6 months or younger.
Your provider reviews your symptoms and checks inside your ear for inflammation and other signs of infection.
How is an ear infection treated?
In some cases, an ear infection resolves on its own without treatment. However, if ear pain is severe or the infection causes hearing problems, the NewMed Immediate Care team may prescribe oral antibiotics or medicated ear drops to ease pain and clear the infection.
Young children with recurrent ear infections may need a surgical procedure to place drainage tubes in the ear. Their provider can refer you to a specialist if needed.
Call the NewMed Immediate Care office nearest you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for ear infection symptoms, visit as a walk-in, or book an appointment online today.