If you like to go swimming during the summer season, chances are you may have experienced an ear condition called swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is a painful infection that runs from the eardrum to the outside of the head. It is caused by water remaining in the ear after a person’s swim. This moistness causes bacteria and fungi to grow in the outer ear. There are more than 200,000 cases in the United States every year. Here’s more information you need to know about it.
Symptoms
Swimmer’s ear happens when redness develops in the outer ear, causing a painful infection. It is different from common ear infections, which happen deeper in the ear. Some of the other symptoms include fluid or pus draining out of the ear, severe pain, itchiness, and trouble hearing clearly. One good way to tell if you have the condition is by tugging or pressing your ear. If it hurts when you do these things, you might have swimmer’s ear.
Other Causes Besides Swimming
While the common cause of the swimmer’s ear condition is through engaging in a lot of swimming, you could also get it when you’re not doing this. Sticking stuff in your ears, such as cotton swabs, and the irritation of jewelry and cosmetics around your ears are good examples of non-swimming-related causes. So make sure you’re being careful in what you put in and around your ears.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms above and you think it may be swimmer’s ear, please go see a doctor. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible keeps the infection from getting any worse. After examining your ear, your doctor will prescribe eardrops that may have antibiotics or other ingredients to fight the infection. In some cases, antibiotic pills may be prescribed.
Swimmer’s ear is a painful infection for anyone to go through, but it can be treated. If you take immediate action by seeing a doctor quickly, you will be able to recover sooner rather than later. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!