Prime Urgent Care diagnoses and treats ear infections quickly at its three urgent care centers in Pearland, Missouri City, and Sugar Land. Visit Prime Urgent Care for convenient and on-demand treatment for ear infections. Just walk-in or skip the line and check-in online.
Types of Ear Infections We Treat
- Middle ear infections (acute otitis media)
- Swimmers Ear (otitis external)
Symptoms of Ear Infections
- Fever
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Pain or pressure in and around the ear
- Pulling at the ear (young children)
- Itching inside the ear
- Redness and/or swelling
| Treatment | Total Price |
|---|---|
| Provider Visit Examination | $100 |
3 Reasons to Choose Prime Urgent Care for Ear Infection Treatments
- Quick Diagnosis and Treatment: Our on-demand medical team offers immediate care, diagnoses conditions quickly, and offers personalized ear infection treatments to get our patients feeling better fast.
- On-Demand Medical Care for Patients of All Ages: Just walk in when you or a family member needs medical care for non-life-threatening, non-chronic conditions. We treat patients 3 months and older.
- Open 7 Days A Week: Skip the ER and get immediate medical care for an ear infection seven days of the week – and late on weekdays. Get the care you need now!
Ear Infection Treatments at Prime Urgent Care
At Prime Urgent Care, here are the general steps we take in treating a typical ear infection:
Step 1: Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis of the “type” of ear infection you or your child has is essential for an effective treatment.
Step 2: Treatment
Antibiotics: If the infection is bacterial, our providers may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. It is important to take the entire course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms improve before completing the medication.
Ear drops: If the infection is in the outer ear, our providers may prescribe ear drops that contain antibiotics, steroids, or antifungal medications.
Pain management: Ear infections often cause pain and discomfort. Pain relievers can help to manage pain.
Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help to relieve pain and promote drainage.
Common Causes of Ear Infections
Ear infections are usually caused by bacterial or viral infections. The infection occurs when the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum, becomes inflamed. Here are several factors that can contribute to an ear infection:
- Respiratory Infections: - The bacteria or viruses that cause these respiratory infections can travel through the Eustachian tube (a small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat) and reach the middle ear, causing infection.
- Allergies - Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and Eustachian tube, leading to blockage and fluid buildup in the middle ear which can lead to infection.
- Age - Children, especially between 6 months and 2 years old, are more prone to ear infections because the tubes in their ears are shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for bacteria or viruses to reach the middle ear.
- Smoking – Exposure to secondhand smoke or smoking can irritate and damage the lining of the respiratory tract, including the Eustachian tube, making it more susceptible to infection.
- Anatomical Factors- Certain anatomical factors, such as a cleft palate or a deviated septum, can disrupt normal Eustachian tube function and increase the risk of an ear infection.
Common Symptoms of Ear Infections
Middle ear infection (acute otitis media) – Results from an accumulation of fluid and infection in the space behind the eardrum (called the middle ear). This type of infection is more common in children than adults, but it can occur at any age.
- Ear Pain
- Fever
- Reduced Hearing
- Ear drainage
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Irritability (common in young children)
Swimmer’s Ear (otitis external) – An infection of the ear canal (the passage that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum) caused by water that remains in the ear after swimming or other water-related activities.
If you spend a lot of time in swimming pools during the summer or for sports competitions, ear infections are a common condition that needs to be treated.
- Ear Pain
- Itching
- Redness and swelling
- Ear Drainage
- Muffled hearing
- Fever
- Pressure in and around the ear
Get Your Ear Infection Treated Today
Walk in to any Prime Urgent Care clinic in Pearland, Missouri City or Sugar Land to get your ear infection treated with no appointment needed. Our urgent care clinics are open 7 days a week (and until 8pm Monday-Friday), so if you or a family member is experiencing pain and discomfort from a possible ear infection, just walk-in for immediate medical care from healthcare professionals. We treat patients ages 3 months and older.
No Insurance? No Problem!
If you don’t have a health insurance plan or have a high deductible on your current plan and prefer to pay out-of-pocket- for some healthcare services, Prime Urgent Care offers some of the lowest self-pay rates in the greater Houston area. An initial examination starts at just $100 so don’t wait to get our ear infection treated today.
FAQs
- Are ear infections contagious?
Ear infections are usually not contagious although they should be treated to reduce the risk of complications from the infection.
- Can an ear infection go away on its own without treatment?
Some middle ear infections do resolve on their own, although it’s recommended (especially with children) to get immediate treatment for pain in and around the ear for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Don’t wait for the infection to resolve itelf as this can cause further damage and more intense symptoms.
- How long does it take for an ear infection to resolve?
Timeframes will vary based on the type and severity of the infection plus the age and health of the patient. Generally, mild ear infections can be resolved with antibiotics in about a week. More severe infections may take longer (2-3 weeks).
- Can ear infections cause permanent hearing loss?
In some cases, severe ear infections can result in permanent hearing loss when not properly treated. Prompt and appropriate ear infection treatments will usually prevent permanent hearing loss.
- Can I just walk-in to Prime Urgent Care to get immediate treatment for an ear infection?
Yes, just walk-in or save your space online on our website at Prime Urgent Care in Pearland, Missouri City, and Sugar Land. We are open 7 days a week so come in when you or a loved one needs on-demand medical care.
- Do I need health insurance to receive treatment for an ear infection at Prime Urgent Care?
Patients do not need health insurance to get treated for an ear infection at Prime Urgent Care as we offer some of the lowest self-pay rates in the greater Houston area for urgent care services and diagnostic testing.
