Ear infections don’t just affect children. Adults can get them as well.
Ear infections occur because a person’s Eustachian tubes become difficult or impossible to get through, meaning that fluid becomes trapped in part of the ear. These can range in intensity from minor to serious, although both may cause stabbing pain in ear canals.
Minor infections are the most common type, and will often disappear on their own. However, a chronic or recurring ear infection can cause damage to the ear and affect hearing.
How do you know if you have an ear infection, and whether or not it’s a serious one? We’ll talk more about that in the paragraphs below.
Ear infections often come with pain, but the type and intensity can vary. While you might experience sudden, sharp discomfort, it’s also common to just feel a mild, ongoing ache. Keep an eye on how the pain develops.
If you notice any fluid leaking from your ear after the pain starts, take it seriously—it could signal an infection that might need a doctor’s look.
However, ear pain doesn’t always mean an ear infection. Other things like strep throat, sinus infections, and even allergies can cause similar symptoms. And sometimes, simple things like changes in air pressure during a plane ride or using cotton swabs the wrong way can also make your ears hurt.
Before you rush to conclude it’s an ear infection, consider what else might be at play. If the pain sticks around or you start seeing other signs like fever, hearing loss, or ear discharge, then it might be time to check in with a healthcare professional. This way, you’re not heading to the doctor unless it’s really necessary.
Does your ear feel like it has a cotton ball shoved in it even though you know it doesn’t? That’s another symptom of an ear infection.
This is because of the Eustachian tube being clogged. In a healthy person, the function of the Eustachian tube is used to expel fluids from the ears by sending them to the throat, where they’re swallowed. This prevents infections by moving harmful bacteria out to other parts of the body before they can breed.
In an infected ear, this tube is swollen or blocked off, so harmful materials are trapped there to infect our ears. Our ears feel full because they are full.
They are also located quite close to the eardrum, and when they swell, they push up against the eardrum, limiting its ability to move. This makes it more difficult for the eardrum to pick up sound.
The Eustachian tube is also responsible for regulating our sense of balance. When we can’t balance properly, we often become dizzy. Dizziness can lead to nausea, and nausea can cause vomiting.
Those who have been on the teacup ride at the fair have first-hand experience with this particular domino effect.
Stabbing pain in ear canals can be a symptom of an ear infection, but it’s not the only symptom. We’ve talked about some of the others in the paragraphs above, but there are a few others. We encourage you to do more research on your own.
If you want more information and advice on various health topics please visit our site. Ear infections aren’t the only kind out there. It’s important to know about upper respiratory infections as well.
Contact Us for More Information
Coastal Urgent Care operates several clinics across Louisiana, each offering the same high standard of care while catering to the unique needs of their communities. We deliver efficient, compassionate, and personalized care to every patient who walks through our doors. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals provides timely treatment and ensures that you receive the attention you deserve.
If you’re searching for “urgent care near me” in Louisiana, look no further than Coastal Urgent Care. Our urgent care centers are here to provide you with the care you need, where and when you need it most. Visit one of our urgent care clinics in Baton Rouge, Bossier, Gonzales, Ruston, or Slidell.
