Ear Infection Treatment Specialist in Mandan, ND

Ear infections are a common reason patients visit Medallus Urgent Care, and our experienced medical team is here to help you find fast relief. Typical symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain—which may be sharp, dull, or throbbing—a sensation of fullness or pressure, and reduced or muffled hearing. You may also notice drainage from the ear, which can be clear, yellow, or pus-like in appearance.

Other signs to watch for are itching (especially with outer ear infections), fever, and in children, increased irritability, trouble sleeping, or frequent tugging at the ears. Some people experience problems with balance or dizziness due to the ear’s role in maintaining equilibrium. In severe cases, especially among young children, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting may occur.

If you or your child is experiencing these symptoms, especially if they persist or become severe, it’s important to seek prompt medical evaluation. At Medallus Urgent Care, we provide thorough assessment and personalized treatment for ear infections—no appointment necessary. Our caring providers can help manage your symptoms, recommend appropriate treatment, and prevent complications.

At Medallus Urgent Care, we understand how uncomfortable and concerning ear infections can be for both children and adults. Our experienced medical providers are well-equipped to quickly and accurately diagnose ear infections using a combination of your medical history and a thorough physical examination.

When you visit Medallus Urgent Care with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, drainage from the ear, fever, or irritability, our healthcare professionals will start by discussing your symptoms, their duration, and any possible triggers like recent respiratory infections or allergies. This helps us tailor our assessment to your specific situation.

During your examination, our providers use a specialized tool called an otoscope to look inside your ear. This allows us to check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, fluid, or pus behind the eardrum. In some cases, we may use a pneumatic otoscope to gently blow air into the ear, helping us determine if there is fluid buildup—a common sign of a middle ear infection.

If your case is more complex, our team at Medallus Urgent Care can perform additional tests, such as tympanometry to measure how your eardrum responds to air pressure changes, or even a hearing test if there’s concern about hearing loss. Should there be persistent ear discharge, we can collect a sample for lab analysis to identify the exact cause of the infection.

At Medallus Urgent Care, we understand that ear infections can be painful and disruptive for both children and adults. Our experienced medical team provides prompt evaluation and personalized treatment plans based on the type, severity, and cause of your ear infection.

Many mild ear infections, especially those caused by viruses, may resolve on their own. At Medallus Urgent Care, our providers may recommend a period of watchful waiting, monitoring your symptoms closely to determine if medical intervention is necessary. To help manage discomfort, we suggest safe use of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and warm compresses, all while keeping you informed about when to seek further care.

If your ear infection is bacterial—especially in children or in cases where symptoms persist—our clinicians may prescribe antibiotics. We emphasize the importance of completing the full course of medication to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent recurrence.

Medallus Urgent Care also treats outer ear infections with prescription ear drops that may include antibiotics, antifungals, or steroids to reduce swelling and clear infection. We provide detailed instructions for home care, including keeping the ear dry and avoiding insertion of objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you or your child experiences severe pain, persistent symptoms, hearing loss, high fever, or ear discharge. Our urgent care clinics are equipped to provide timely evaluation and appropriate treatment, ensuring your safety and comfort.

At Medallus Urgent Care, we understand that ear infections can be uncomfortable and disruptive. The recovery time from an ear infection varies depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as your overall health.

For most uncomplicated middle ear infections (otitis media), you can expect symptoms to start improving within 48 to 72 hours after starting the appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or supportive care for viral infections. In some cases, mild discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the ear may persist for up to a week or longer.

Outer ear infections (otitis externa, or “swimmer’s ear”) typically begin to improve within a few days of starting treatment. However, complete recovery can take a week or more. Severe or chronic infections, those involving a ruptured eardrum, or infections in people with weakened immune systems may take longer to heal and might require additional care.

If your symptoms worsen, last longer than a week, or if you experience high fever, severe pain, or hearing loss, we recommend you return to Medallus Urgent Care for further evaluation. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and our experienced team is here to help you feel better as quickly as possible. For more information, contact us or see our business hours online. We are conveniently located at 2705 Sunset Dr Mandan, North Dakota 58554. We serve patients from Bismarck, ND, Lincoln, ND, Young Town, ND, Lynwood, ND, Washburn, ND and surrounding areas.