Introduction
Finally, summer’s here. Sun, warmth, and swimming pools. Chances are, however, if you swim very often, you or your child have likely experienced swimmer’s ear. Also known as otitis externa, this ear condition occurs when the the skin lining of the outer ear canal gets infected with bacteria or fungi.
Swimmer’s ear is different from the common middle ear infection, which affects the eardrum and often occurs with an upper respiratory infection. It can also be bacterial or viral. It is important to know what symptoms you or your child are experiencing to better be able to coordinate with your doctor or health care provider.
Swimmer’s Ear Symptoms
Swimmer’s ear symptoms are easy to notice. You or your child may have swimmer’s ear if you’re experiencing the follow symptoms:
- Ear itchiness
- Fever
- Drainage from the ear
- Redness or swelling of the ear canal
- Decreased hearing
- Pain that increases if ear is tugged
Untreated swimmer’s ear will lead to worse symptoms and may even lead to damage and recurring infections. Visit your local *insert name of urgent care here* to speak to a healthcare professional. A member of our urgent care will be most glad to assist you with examination and discuss treatment.
Pain Relief
Swimmer’s ear pain can be a very upsetting experience for you and your child. Non-prescription ear drops can help relieve ear pain. You can also use a heating pad to dry out the water in the infected ear. However, be very careful and avoid accidental burning of the skin. Be sure to use it in short amounts of time and avoid overheating the pad. If ear drops do not help with pain, over the counter pain medication can relieve it, like ibuprofen or tylenol.
Avoid scratching the ear as any interference with fluids may cause even more complications. Also avoid swimming for some time to allow the infected ear to heal.
Prevention
Don’t let swimmer’s ear stop you from enjoying your summer. You can still have fun at the beach or swimming pool this summer while taking preventive measures for you and your child. Practice these following methods to help you prevent swimmer’s ear infections for the future.
- Ear plugs: these can help decrease contaminated water from entering your ear and causing an infection
- Avoid swimming in unclean water like unmonitored bodies of water, like ponds and algae filled lakes
- If you do feel water in your ear, do NOT use a Q-tip. Instead, tilt your head to the side and shake to drain. You can also use a towel to dry your ears after swimming.
- You can also use over the counter ear drops to drain any potentially contaminated water.
When You Should Visit an Urgent Care for Swimmer’s Ear
If symptoms persist or do not get any better, see a doctor at *insert name of urgent care here*. Our doctors will examine you or your child’s ear, and depending on their findings, a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic ear drop.