Yes, they can! It’s true that ear infections are more common among children, but adults aren’t immune to them. Plus, if you do happen to get one as an adult, they’re typically a sign of something more problematic.

Our AFC Urgent Care Easley team provides some further helpful information on ear infections below.

What Is an Ear Infection?

There are actually three different kinds of ear infections: inner, middle and outer. The most common type of ear infection, though, is a middle ear infection, which occurs when a bacterial or viral infection affects the sections of the ear just behind the eardrum.

When an ear infection occurs, the eustachian tubes (the small tubes that run from each ear directly to the back of the throat) become swollen or blocked, causing fluid to build up in the middle ear.

Common Causes of Eustachian Tube Blockage

• Allergies
• Colds
• Sinus infections
• Excess mucus
• Smoking
• Infected or swollen adenoids (tissue near your tonsils that traps harmful bacteria and viruses)
• Changes in air pressure

How Can an Ear Infection Be Treated?

Doctor-prescribed antibiotics do the trick for most ear infections. To help with pain, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can work as well.

If you experience any of the symptoms that we’ve listed below, you likely have an ear infection. Don’t wait to visit our AFC center to get the necessary treatment to reduce your risk of dealing with long-term health complications that ear infections can cause, such as hearing loss and ruptured eardrums.

Common Symptoms of Ear Infections

• Mild pain or discomfort inside the ear
• A feeling of pressure inside the ear that persists
• Pus-like ear drainage
• Hearing loss

If you believe you or your child has an ear infection, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Easley team today! We’re here for you now and always.