Urgent Care for Ear Infection Treatment in El Paso and Horizon City, TX

There are three primary types of ear infections that correspond to the precise location of the infection within the ear. The three primary ear infection types are known as otitis media, which is also known as a middle ear infection; otitis externa, involving the outer ear canal and is also known as swimmer’s ear; and labyrinthitis, which is also referred to as inner ear infection.

Otitis media (middle ear infection):

• Bloody, clear, or yellow discharge from the ears
• Congestion
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty hearing
• Ear pain
• Fever
• Loss of balance
• Nausea and vomiting

Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear):

• Clear, odorless discharge from the ear
• Discomfort that worsens when pulling on the outer ear or pushing on the little bump known as the tragus in the front of the ear
• Feeling as though your ear canal is clogged or partially blocked due to debris, fluid, and swelling
• Fever
• Itching in the ear canal
• Mild to severe redness inside the ear
• Muffled hearing
• Pain that possibly radiates to the face, neck, and side of the head
• Swollen lymph nodes

Labyrinthitis (inner ear infection):

• Dizziness or a feeling of spinning (vertigo)
• Hearing loss
• Inability to concentrate or focus
• Loss of balance
• Moments of uncontrolled, side-to-side eye movements (nystagmus)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears

A large percentage of ear infections go away on their own with only medication to relieve pain and not treat the infection itself. With that being said, if the ear infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics will be required to put an end to the infection.

If the only thing you are experiencing is mild ear pain, you may not need to see a doctor immediately. However, if the pain is not improving after a couple of days, is getting worse, or you have a fever, you should seek medical attention as soon as you can. You should also see a doctor if you are having difficulty hearing, or are experiencing discharge, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

The most common causes of ear infections are either bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae, or viruses, such as those that cause seasonal flu or other upper respiratory infections. With that being said, ear infections can also be caused by allergies, changes in air pressure, infected or swollen tonsils, swimming in unclean water, or failing to dry out the outer properly after swimming or bathing.

If you are dealing with an ear infection, our urgent care doctors and medical providers would be pleased to provide you with treatment at UCare Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic in El Paso, TX and Horizon City, TX. For an appointment, we welcome you to call us, schedule one through our website, or come to one of our clinics in El Paso, TX and Horizon City, TX, for a walk-in appointment. We serve patients from El Paso TX, Horizon City TX, Lee Trevino Drive TX, Fort Bliss TX, Mission Valley TX, Resler Canyon TX, Alfalfa TX, Montwood TX, and BEYOND.