Common Symptoms of Ear Infections: What You Need to Know

An ear infection (otitis media) can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including ear pain (sharp, dull, or throbbing), a sensation of fullness or pressure, and muffled hearing due to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Sometimes, you might notice drainage of fluid or pus from the ear, which could indicate a ruptured eardrum. Other symptoms can include fever, irritability, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite—especially in young children—as well as dizziness or balance problems.

If you or your child is experiencing these symptoms, especially if they are severe or persistent, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Our experienced providers can evaluate ear infections, offer accurate diagnoses, and provide effective treatment options to help relieve discomfort and prevent complications. No appointment is necessary—visit your nearest Medallus Urgent Care location for fast, compassionate care when you need it most.

At Medallus Urgent Care, we frequently see patients concerned about ear pain. While ear infections—such as middle ear infections (otitis media) or outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear)—are common causes, ear pain isn’t always a sign of infection. Other conditions, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, dental issues like tooth abscesses, sore throat (pharyngitis or tonsillitis), sinus infections, or even nerve-related pain (neuralgia), can also cause discomfort in or around the ear. Additional factors like earwax buildup, changes in air pressure, or minor injuries may contribute to ear pain as well.

Because ear pain can have many sources, it’s important to get a proper evaluation—especially if your symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by fever, hearing loss, or drainage. Our experienced medical team can quickly assess your symptoms, determine the underlying cause, and provide the right treatment to help you feel better. If you or a loved one is experiencing ear pain, visit Medallus Urgent Care for prompt and professional care.

If you or your child is experiencing ear infection symptoms—especially fluid drainage or pus from the ear—it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. At Medallus Urgent Care, our experienced providers frequently diagnose and treat ear infections, helping patients of all ages get fast, effective relief.

Ear infections commonly involve either the middle ear (otitis media) or the outer ear canal (otitis externa or “swimmer’s ear”). Both types can cause discomfort, pain, and in some cases, noticeable fluid or pus draining from the ear. This drainage often signals that the infection has caused a buildup of fluid or pressure behind the eardrum, or that bacteria have inflamed the ear canal itself. Other symptoms that may accompany ear infections include ear pain, fever, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Children may be more susceptible due to smaller or less developed eustachian tubes, and risk can also increase with allergies, sinus infections, or upper respiratory illnesses.

If you notice pus, persistent fluid, or foul-smelling drainage from the ear—or if symptoms are severe or lasting—it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. At Medallus Urgent Care, we offer convenient, walk-in care for ear infections, including on-site ear exams and, if needed, prescription medications to treat your infection and manage symptoms.

If you visit Medallus Urgent Care with symptoms of an ear infection, you can expect prompt, comprehensive care from our experienced medical team. Our providers, including Dr. Rachot Vachathrone, MD, will begin by thoroughly evaluating your symptoms and performing a detailed physical examination of your ears. Using specialized tools such as an otoscope, we look for signs of infection—such as redness, swelling, fluid, or discharge—to accurately determine whether your infection involves the outer ear (otitis externa) or middle ear (otitis media), as this will guide the appropriate treatment.

For bacterial ear infections, our providers may prescribe antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics based on the location and severity of the infection. If your ear infection is caused by a virus, we focus on effective symptom relief, since antibiotics are not effective for viral infections. Managing your pain and discomfort is a top priority, so we may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as well as soothing measures like warm compresses.

In certain cases, if there is significant swelling or blockage, our team can carefully clean the ear canal to help medications work more effectively and to relieve discomfort. Before you leave Medallus Urgent Care, you’ll receive clear instructions on how to care for your ear at home, and we’ll review important warning signs that indicate you should return for further evaluation.

At Medallus Urgent Care, patient education is an essential part of our service. We take the time to answer all your questions and ensure you understand your treatment plan, including follow-up steps if symptoms do not improve. Our goal is to provide you with rapid relief and a clear path to recovery, so you can return to your daily activities as quickly as possible.

For more information, please contact us or see our business hours online. We serve patients from Jamestown ND, Valley City ND, Devils Lake ND, Fargo ND, West Fargo ND, Moorhead MN, Mapleton ND, Horace ND, Mandan ND, Lincoln ND, Youngtown ND, Bismarck ND, Rock Haven ND, Arnold ND and surrounding areas.