The sharp pain of an earache can be enough to stop nearly anyone in their tracks. This condition can impact people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. And, because there are several potential causes of ear pain, it isn’t always clear why someone may be suffering from it. If you experience an earache, especially one that lingers, it’s natural to want relief as soon as possible. Lake Charles Urgent Care provides quick and affordable care, treating non-emergency medical conditions such as ear pain and related symptoms. Learn about the nature of ear pain as well as common ear pain causes.
How Can Earaches Have Such a Large Impact?
Have you ever had an earache that made regular activities feel impossible? It’s hard to understand how much of an impact this condition can have on the body until you’ve experienced it. Loss of balance, impaired hearing, fever, and headache are all symptoms that can occur with an earache. The eustachian tube connects the ear canal to the nose and throat. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, it can cause air or fluid to build up and back up. This then creates pressure inside the ear, which produces a painful sensation.
In addition, infections in the outer, middle, or inner ear can produce earaches, irritation, and referred pain. Referred pain occurs when a person feels a hurting sensation somewhere other than the affected area. For example, the pain a person feels in their ear may actually originate from a tooth issue. This is why it’s important to remember that the causes of ear pain can often be more complex than they initially appear. And it is often beneficial to have an earache examined by a health professional, especially if the condition seems to worsen with time.
Common Ear Pain Causes
If you are suffering from ear pain, narrowing down the list of potential causes is not always easy, especially if you try to do it yourself. In reality, earaches can be the result of several other types of conditions affecting various parts of the body. These conditions can include:
- Tooth infection
- Changes in air pressure (like those that occur during flights)
- Post-nasal drip/sore throat
- Allergies
- Sinus infection
- Heavy earwax buildup
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Ruptured eardrum
- Swimmer’s ear (liquid trapped in the ear, causing an infection)
Each of these conditions can produce ear pain. If you believe you may be suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to inform your healthcare provider. It may help to isolate the cause of the earache and prevent future ear problems.
Get the Care You Deserve
If you are currently experiencing ear pain and don’t know what to do, Lake Charles Urgent Care is ready to help you find relief. Simply check-in at our Country Club Rd. or Ryan St. location to get care fast. Walk-in patients are also welcome, but checking in can reduce patient wait times, so be sure to check-in if possible. Fast, affordable care is closer than you think. When it’s not an emergency, choose Lake Charles Urgent Care.