Recognizing and Treating an Ear Infection
Ear infections are painful, frustrating, and often disruptive. For young children, they can come on suddenly. Here’s how to know when it’s time to see a doctor and how we can help.
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons people seek emergency care, especially for children under the age of five. Whether it’s a toddler tugging at their ear or an adult waking up with sharp pain and pressure, the symptoms can escalate quickly.
Not all ear infections need the ER, but some do. Knowing when to come in can help you avoid a sleepless night, reduce the risk of complications, and get relief faster.
Signs to Watch For – In Adults and Kids
Most ear infections start with inflammation in the middle ear, often due to a cold or allergy flare-up that traps fluid behind the eardrum. That pressure causes pain, often described as throbbing or stabbing. In children, it may show up as constant crying, irritability, or trouble sleeping.
Fever, drainage from the ear, hearing difficulty, or balance problems are also common. If you or your child has these symptoms for more than a day or two or if the pain becomes intense, it’s time for a medical evaluation.
Why Ear Infections Can’t Always Wait
In children, untreated ear infections can lead to speech delays, recurring illness, or hearing loss. For adults, the pain alone can be severe enough to disrupt daily life. In both cases, waiting too long increases the risk of a ruptured eardrum or a more serious inner ear infection.
At First Priority ER in New Braunfels, we see ear infections often, especially during allergy season or after a viral illness. Our team can examine the ear canal, confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment, whether that means antibiotics, pain relief, or additional testing.
What to Expect at the ER
The visit usually begins with a basic ear exam using an otoscope, followed by a quick discussion of symptoms. If there’s fluid or swelling, we’ll determine the best course of treatment and, when necessary, prescribe antibiotics. We also offer safe pain management, especially for children who are uncomfortable or unable to sleep.
Our goal is to reduce pain, clear the infection, and help you or your child rest again.
When in Doubt, Come In
If you’re unsure whether your child’s earache is serious, you’re not alone. Parents often wait a day or two, hoping things will improve. But if there’s no change — or things are getting worse — there’s no harm in coming in to be checked. Our providers are experienced, compassionate, and fast. You’ll get answers without the long wait or uncertainty.
We’re open daily and ready to help.
For more on causes and symptoms, visit the Mayo Clinic’s ear infection overview.
