Urgent Care for Ear Infection Treatment in Fairfax, VA

Ear infections are a common reason patients of all ages frequently seek prompt care at Prima Urgent Care. Our clinic offers fast and effective treatment to alleviate pain and prevent complications. Here are the common causes and contributing factors of ear infections:

• Bacterial or Viral Infections: Often occur after a cold, flu, or sinus infection.

• Blocked Eustachian Tubes: Swelling or blockage prevents proper drainage, leading to fluid buildup.

• Trapped Fluid in the Middle Ear: Creates a moist environment that encourages infection.

• Immature Eustachian Tubes: Immature Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, allowing easier entry for pathogens.

• Allergies: Can cause inflammation and blockages in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes.

• Cigarette Smoke Exposure: Irritates the respiratory tract and Eustachian tubes, increasing infection risk.

• Bottle-Feeding While Lying Down: Can allow fluids to flow back into the Eustachian tubes.

• Daycare Attendance: Increases exposure to common colds and respiratory infections.

• Enlarged Adenoids: May obstruct the Eustachian tubes and contribute to recurrent infections.

At Prima Urgent Care, we treat ear infections with prompt and caring attention. If you have symptoms like ear pain, reduced hearing, or fever, our healthcare team is ready to help. Whether it’s a first-time infection or a recurring problem, we’ll provide the right care and guidance to help you feel better quickly.

We encourage you to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms become severe—such as high fever, severe ear pain, or swelling around the ear—or if symptoms do not improve over time. Our experienced providers can quickly evaluate your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend the best treatment to help you feel better. Here are common symptoms of an ear infection:

• Ear pain or discomfort (especially when lying down)

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

• Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing

• Fluid drainage from the ear (may be clear, yellow, or bloody)

• Fever

• Tugging or pulling at the ear

• Irritability or excessive crying

• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep

• Loss of balance or dizziness

• Headache or general feeling of being unwell

If these symptoms persist for more than a day or are severe—particularly with high fever or discharge—it’s best to seek medical care for proper evaluation and treatment. Delaying care may lead to complications or prolonged discomfort. A healthcare professional can determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options to ensure a quicker recovery.

Ear infections are a frequent health concern and their duration can vary based on the type and severity of the infection. Most acute ear infections—like acute otitis media—typically improve within a few days. Common symptoms such as ear pain and fever often start to resolve within 48 to 72 hours. In many cases, especially if the infection is viral, symptoms may improve on their own within one to two weeks without antibiotics.

However, it’s not uncommon for fluid to remain in the middle ear for several weeks after the infection clears. This can cause temporary hearing difficulties or a feeling of fullness in the ear. If the infection is recurrent or if complications develop, symptoms may persist longer and require medical attention.

At Prima Urgent Care, our experienced providers can evaluate ear infections and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and medical history. Our team at Prima Urgent Care is here to provide fast, effective care to help you feel better as quickly as possible.

You should visit urgent care for an ear infection if you experience symptoms such as ear pain, muffled hearing, drainage from the ear, or a feeling of fullness that doesn’t go away within a day or two. These symptoms may indicate a bacterial or viral infection requiring prompt evaluation. A healthcare provider can examine your ear using an otoscope to check for redness, swelling, or fluid buildup behind the eardrum and determine the appropriate treatment.

It’s especially important to seek urgent care if symptoms worsen or are accompanied by a fever, dizziness, or swelling around the ear. These could be signs of a more serious infection or complication that needs timely medical attention. Early treatment can relieve pain, prevent further damage, and reduce the risk of complications.

At Prima Urgent Care, we are dedicated to supporting your health with prompt and compassionate care. If your ear infection symptoms are severe, ongoing, or come with troubling signs like high fever, hearing loss, or swelling, don’t wait to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition to ear infection treatment, we also offer services for swimmer’s ear and ear wax removal.

For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Fair Ridge Dr Suite Q, Fairfax, VA 22033. We serve patients from Fairfax VA, South Riding VA, Dulles VA, Chantilly VA, Stone Ridge VA, Oakton VA, Legato VA, Burke VA, Oak Hill VA, Lees Corner VA & BEYOND! Our Fairfax location is close to Fair Oaks Hospital, Fair Oaks Mall, and Greenbriar Shopping Center.