If your ears hurt constantly, and you have intense pressure around your eyes and temples, you may want to know how you can solve your problems without waiting days to see your primary care doctor. The symptoms you have may indicate that you have a sinus infection. Sinus infections can become worse without immediate and proper treatment. Here's more things to know about sinus infections and what you can do to treat yours right away.
What Is a Sinus Infection?
Sinus infections can be troublesome for many adults. The infections often produce symptoms that seem similar to the common cold. But unlike the common cold, the symptoms of sinus infections can linger for weeks instead of days. Your ear pain and facial pressure are classic symptoms of a sinus infection.
The sinus cavities in your face are usually hollow. But fluid can build up inside the sinuses when you catch a cold, develop a bacterial infection, or get water in your ears. The buildup creates intense pressure around your eyes, behind your nose and in your forehead. The fluid may leak into the tubes that lead to your ears and cause additional discomfort. Your earaches may seem worse when you lie down or press the side of your head against your pillow.
There are things you can do right now to ease your discomfort.
How Do You Treat Your Possible Sinus Infection Right Away?
If you don't want to wait days to see your primary doctor for care, you can seek urgent care treatment. Urgent care centers usually see patients the same or next day without an appointment. Some centers stay open late into the evening and on the weekends. The hours of operation may vary from center to center, so it's a good idea that you contact the nearest care provider near you for more information.
Until you seek urgent care treatment, you can try these things to feel better:
- Place a warm towel on your face for 5 to 10 minutes to help relieve some of the pressure and inflammation. You can adjust the time to fit your comfort level.
- Massage your temples with warm olive oil or vitamin E oil for 3 to 5 minutes. The massage can help drain the fluid from your sinuses and ear tubes. Again, the time may vary for this step, so use your best judgment.
- Place a cool compress or cold towel on your ears for the recommended time of 20 minutes. The cool temperatures can help ease the pain in your ears and allow the fluid to drain out of them.
You should only use the three tips above as temporary measures. Visit an urgent care center as soon as you can for further assistance.
If the symptoms become worse, even after trying the tips above, contact an urgent care doctor right away.
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