Eye, Ear, & Throat Issues

Eye, ear, and throat problems can be caused due to physical injuries or are often signs of an underlying issue. Depending on the extent of your injury and its root cause, treatment may vary from compresses and over-the-counter medication to prescription antibiotics or medical procedures.

At Carolina Urgent Care, we offer a comprehensive care approach to these concerns. Our expertise and equipment allow us to provide you with the specialized attention you need. Whether you’re seeking pain relief or addressing any kind of infection, our team is here to help you. 

Eye issues can be caused due to pathogens, bacteria, viruses, or physical injuries like eye traumas, scratches, corneal abrasions, or foreign objects.

Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is the inflammation of the membrane inside the eyelid. This causes blood vessels to dilate, causing symptoms like:

• Redness
• Swelling around the eye
• Itching
• Tearing
• Discharge
• Sensitivity to light

It can be caused by multiple factors like allergies, viruses, bacteria, irritants, and contact lenses. Depending on its root cause, the treatment may range from topical antibiotics to eye drops. 

Eye Injuries

Eyes can become easily damaged due to physical trauma, penetration of foreign objects, or chemicals. Some of the most common eye injuries include the following:

• Eye trauma due to physical injuries 
• Chemical burns
• Cuts and scratches due to dust, sand, or debris
• Penetration from foreign objects
• Retinal detachment

Prompt medical care can differentiate between optimal recovery and severe vision damage. Make sure to contact your doctor if you or a loved one has suffered an eye injury. 

Earaches often signal underlying issues that may need prompt medical attention to avoid complications like hearing loss. Some common symptoms that come along with an earache include fever, temporary hearing loss, and dizziness. 

Earaches can be caused due to multiple factors, including

• Bacterial or viral Infections that lead to swelling in the ear canal
• Fluid buildup due to infections
• Injury or physical trauma like a sudden impact or a foreign object inserted in the ear canal
• Sinus congestion and infections

Seeking medical aid when symptoms of an earache appear can help prevent issues like hearing loss, a ruptured eardrum, and spreading infection into other parts of the body. 

Throat conditions may be caused due to viral or bacterial infections. These may need swift medical attention to address not only the discomfort but also the underlying issues. 

Tonsillitis and Pharyngitis

Tonsilitis and pharyngitis often originate from colds or the flu, leading to tonsils or throat swelling. Symptoms may include:

• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen tonsils with white or yellow patches
• Fever
• Body aches
• Fatigue

Having a check-up with your doctor will help determine the root cause and the appropriate treatment for your case. 

Strep Throat

Strep throat is an infection caused by direct contact with the Streptococcus bacteria through an infected person, air transmission, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms may include:

• Sore throat
• Pain while swallowing
• Fever
• Red and swollen tonsils with white patches
• Swollen lymph nodes

Getting medical attention quickly can help avoid serious complications, such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation, and alleviate these symptoms. 

During diagnosis, our doctors will ask about your general symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle. These factors help us determine the ideal treatment plan for your case. 

A timely diagnosis can help you receive effective treatment quickly and prevent any further complications. 

Once your doctor has determined the root cause of your illness, they will guide you through the best available treatment for your case. 

Available Treatments for Pink Eye and Eye Injuries

Pink eye caused by viral infections usually resolves on its own and only needs warm compresses or over-the-counter eye drops to avoid dryness. When the root cause is an allergic reaction, prescription antihistamine eye drops can help alleviate symptoms. 

When pink eye is caused by bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to help clear the infection. Practicing good hygiene is important to prevent its contagion and help the eye recover faster. 

For eye injuries caused by physical trauma, cuts, or scratches, it's important to avoid rubbing the eye, place a sterile covering, and seek medical help promptly. Attempting to clean the injury on your own could lead to further vision damage. 

For damages caused by a foreign object, gently rinse with clean water. If unsuccessful, visit your doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications. 

Available Treatment for Earaches

To help alleviate the symptoms of an earache as well as fight the underlying cause, our doctors at Carolina Urgent Care may suggest the following treatments:

• Antibiotic or antifungal medications to eliminate the underlying infection and reduce swelling
• Pain relievers to help alleviate the ache and reduce swelling
• Ear cleaning to eliminate wax buildup and help reduce discomfort

Treatment for Throat Conditions

Treatment for throat conditions will depend on its root causes and may include on or more of the following options:

• Antibiotics or antifungal medications to help fight any bacterial or fungal infection
• Pain relievers to manage pain and swelling in the throat
• Throat sprays to create a soothing layer over the irritated area
• Saltwater gargles to help reduce swelling and alleviate a sore throat

Our team at Carolina Urgent Care has received specialized training in treating eye, ear, and throat conditions. This enables us to offer timely and comprehensive care for any issue without the need for a prior appointment. 

Our urgent care and walk-in clinic delivers fast solutions without compromising quality. Additionally, our advanced diagnostic and treatment tools allow us to provide you with skilled urgent care services.

Preventing eye, ear, and throat problems involves adopting healthy habits, including the following:

Eye Care

To prevent eye injuries or eye conditions from developing, we recommend:

• Wearing protective eyewear when working on construction sites, playing sports, or any other activity that could expose your eyes to potential injuries. 
• Taking constant breaks from your screen time to avoid vision damage.
• Wearing sunglasses that provide UV protection when outdoors.
• Drinking plenty of water and consuming a diet rich in nutrients

Ear Care

To prevent ear problems from developing, we recommend:

• Wearing noise protection like earplugs or noise-canceling headphones when attending concerts or using loud power tools
• Cleaning your ears regularly using a damp cloth and voiding the use of cotton swabs since they can push earwax deeper into the ear canal
• Using earplugs when swimming to prevent water from entering the ear canal 
• Drying your ears properly after swimming by tilting your head to allow water to drain out 

Throat Care

To prevent throat conditions from developing, we suggest:

• Drinking plenty of water and consuming a diet rich in nutrients
• Avoiding heavy drinking and smoking since this could irritate the throat
• Taking breaks to rest your vocal cords and drinking water if your activities or job involve speaking a lot,
• Maintaining air quality using air purifiers and proper ventilation
• Washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces in public places
• Avoiding close contact with people who have a cold or the flu
• Regularly disinfecting surfaces in your workplace and home

If you’re looking for treatment for an eye, ear, or throat issue, our team at Carolina Urgent Care is ready to welcome you. Let us help you recover your health. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us. You can visit our clinics in Chapel Hill, Durham, or schedule an appointment online.