Ear pain, fussiness or drainage? Urgent Care Center of Westmont examines ears for children and adults at our Westmont, IL clinic and explains a treatment plan based on what we find. Same-day walk-in visits, no appointment needed.
Ear infections are very common, especially in young children. MedlinePlus reports that three out of four children have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can get them too. Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, examines ears and treats ear pain. Our team is led by board-certified physicians.
Many ear infections get better on their own, but some need treatment. Walk in or check in online at our Westmont, IL clinic for an exam.
Key facts
About 80% of children's middle ear infections clear without antibiotics, so doctors often wait 48 to 72 hours before prescribing (AAP).
Ear infections themselves are not contagious, though the colds and flu that lead to them can spread (AAP).
Swimmer's ear usually hurts more when the outer ear is pulled, and most cases need antibiotic ear drops for 10 to 14 days (MedlinePlus).
Avoiding smoke, not bottle feeding a baby lying down and keeping up with vaccines, including the flu shot, lower the risk (AAP).
Types of Ear Infections and Common Symptoms
Middle ear infection (otitis media) happens when fluid and germs build up behind the eardrum, often after a cold. Outer ear infection (swimmer's ear) affects the ear canal.
The CDC lists these middle ear infection symptoms:
Ear pain
Fever
Fussiness or irritability in young children
Rubbing or tugging at an ear
Trouble sleeping
Other signs can include fluid draining from the ear, trouble hearing and balance problems.
How We Evaluate and Treat Ear Infections at Our Westmont, IL Clinic
Your clinician asks about symptoms and looks inside the ear with an otoscope, a lighted instrument, to check the eardrum and look for fluid or pus behind it.
The CDC explains that the body can often clear a middle ear infection on its own. For mild cases, your clinician may suggest watchful waiting for 2 to 3 days with pain relief and comfort care. For more severe infections, or if symptoms do not improve, your clinician will explain a treatment plan. If earwax is blocking the view, our ear wax removal service may help.
We accept most major plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Meridian, Multiplan/PHCS and ACPN. Call (630) 324-6825 to confirm your plan. See the full list on our cost and insurance page. Paying yourself? Our self-pay urgent care has flat, upfront pricing, with general visits from $125.
Middle ear infection or swimmer's ear?
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Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Often follows a cold
Deep ear pain, fever, fussiness in young children
Fluid behind the eardrum seen on exam
Many clear on their own; pain relief comes first
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa)
Often after swimming or scratching the ear canal with swabs
Pain that gets worse when the outer ear is pulled
Itching, swelling and yellow or smelly drainage
Usually treated with antibiotic ear drops for 10 to 14 days
Symptoms and historyYour clinician asks when the pain started, about recent colds or swimming, and about past ear infections.
Ear examA lighted otoscope shows the ear canal and eardrum. If wax blocks the view, it may need to be cleared first.
Full checkThe clinician also looks at the throat and nose and checks for fever, since ear pain often travels with other illness.
Treatment planYou get a plan for pain relief and comfort, plus watchful waiting or medicine when appropriate, and clear signs that mean you should come back.
Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen at the right dose for age and weight. Ibuprofen is not for babies under 6 months.
Hold a warm compress against the ear to ease pain.
For swimmer's ear, keep water out of the ear while showering and dry the ear well afterward.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Do not put cotton swabs or other objects in the ear.
Do not use leftover drops from an old infection or from someone else.
Lowering your child's risk
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HealthyChildren.org, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggests these steps:
Breastfeed if you can, since it strengthens the immune system early.
Keep your child away from secondhand and thirdhand smoke.
Don't bottle feed while your baby is lying down, especially at naps or overnight.
Keep up with recommended vaccines, including a yearly flu vaccine.
Wash hands often to cut down on the colds that lead to ear infections.
If infections keep coming back or affect hearing or speech, talk with your child's doctor about next steps. Our pediatric urgent care team sees children of all ages.
No. The CDC says many middle ear infections clear up on their own. Your clinician will explain whether watchful waiting or another treatment fits your case.
Can adults get ear infections?
Yes, though they are more common in children.
Why does my child get so many ear infections?
Ear infections are very common in young children. If they keep coming back, talk with your child's doctor. MedlinePlus notes some children with repeat infections need ear tubes.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in or check in online before you arrive .
Are ear infections contagious?
No. The American Academy of Pediatrics says the ear infection itself does not spread, but the cold, flu or RSV that often comes before it can. Children can go back to school or child care once they feel well enough.
How do I know if it's swimmer's ear?
Swimmer's ear affects the ear canal. MedlinePlus says the pain often gets worse when you pull on the outer ear, and you may notice itching or yellow, bad-smelling drainage. It is common after swimming or after scratching the canal with swabs. A clinician can confirm it with a quick look.
Why does my ear still feel plugged after an ear infection?
Fluid can stay behind the eardrum for weeks after the infection clears, causing a full feeling or muffled hearing. It often goes away on its own. If it lasts, or affects a child's hearing or speech, follow up with your doctor.
Do ear drops help an ear infection?
It depends on the type. Swimmer's ear is usually treated with antibiotic ear drops. A middle ear infection sits behind the eardrum, where drops in the canal do not reach, so care focuses on pain relief and, when needed, other medicine. Don't use drops if the eardrum may be torn unless a clinician says so.
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