Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is a painful condition caused by inflammation of infection in the outer ear canal– the passage that connects the outside of your ear to your eardrum. It’s commonly triggered by water that remains trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing, which creates a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can thrive. Though often considered a mild and treatable condition, swimmer’s ear can become more serious if left untreated. One question many people ask is: Can swimmer’s ear cause a fever? Keep reading to learn more!
For same-day swimmer’s ear treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below.
Recognizing Swimmer’s Ear Symptoms
So, can swimmer’s ear cause a fever? The short answer is yes– in some cases, swimmer’s ear can lead to a fever, especially if the infection becomes more severe or spreads. In the early stages, swimmer’s ear usually causes localized symptoms in the ear, such as:
- Itching or irritation in the ear canal
- Redness or swelling around the ear
- Mild to moderate ear pain, especially when touching our pulling the outer ear
- Drainage or clear fluid/pus
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
- Temporary hearing loss due to swelling or fluid
These symptoms can often be managed with antibiotic ear drops or over-the-counter pain relief. However, if the infection worsens or is left untreated, it can progress and lead to more serious symptoms.
When Swimmer’s Ear Leads To Fever
A fever is your body’s natural response to infection and inflammation. While mild cases of swimmer’s ear don’t usually cause a fever, moderate to severe infections can– especially if the bacteria spreads beyond the ear canal or if the infection becomes invasive. You may experience fever along with:
- Increased or throbbing ear pain
- Swollen lymph nodes near the ear or neck
- Redness spreading to the outer ear or face
- Fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell
A fever combined with these symptoms could indicate a more serious ear infection or potential complications. In rare cases, untreated swimmer’s ear can even lead to a condition called malignant otitis externa, which is more common in people with weakened immune systems or diabetes and requires immediate medical attention.
When To Visit Urgent Care
If you or your child is experiencing fever along with ear pain, it’s a good idea to visit urgent care. Prompt evaluation and treatment can prevent the infection from worsening or spreading. At an urgent care center, a medical provider can:
- Examine the ear and diagnose the severity of infection
- Prescribe antibiotic or antifungal ear drops
- Provide oral antibiotics if the infection has spread
- Offer guidance on pain management, ear care, and prevention
Your provider can also determine whether your symptoms might be related to a middle ear infection or another underlying condition that requires different treatment.
Get Walk-In Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana
While swimmer’s ear is usually a mild condition, it can cause a fever if the infection becomes more advanced or spreads beyond the ear canal. Fever is a sign that your body is fighting something off– and when it’s paired with ear pain, swelling, or discharge, it’s time to get checked out. At AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana, we can provide fast, effective treatment to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications. If you suspect swimmer’s ear and develop a fever, don’t wait– come visit us today for expert care! We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 343-6000.
