Swimming is a fun and healthy activity for kids, especially during hot seasons or family vacations. However, many parents worry when their child starts to complain about ear pain after a swim. So, can swimming really cause ear infections? The short answer is yes, particularly a condition known as swimmer's ear or otitis externa. This happens when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment perfect for bacteria or fungi to grow.
Ear infections can be painful and uncomfortable, especially for children who may not always know how to express what they are feeling. That's why parents need to recognize the early signs and understand what causes these infections. If your child needs medical care for ear pain or ear infections symptoms, AFC Urgent Care Back Bay can help. Our walk-in clinic is available 7 days a week to provide prompt medical treatment for minor conditions. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot online in advance below.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear in Children
An ear infection doesn't always look the same for every child, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the outer ear
- Itchiness in the ear canal
- Redness or swelling around the ear
- Drainage of clear fluid or pus
- Trouble hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear
- Irritability
In more severe cases, your child might also develop a fever or complain about dizziness. If these symptoms appear after a day at the pool or beach, they may be dealing with a swim-related ear infection.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear
Ear infections caused by swimming, often nicknamed swimmer’s ear, are usually triggered by water staying in the ear canal for too long. This retained moisture breaks down the natural barrier of the skin inside the ear and invites harmful organisms to grow. The most common culprits are bacteria, although yeast and fungi can also be responsible. It's not just the water itself. The quality of the water matters, too. Swimming in untreated water (like lakes, rivers, or even poorly maintained pools) increases the risk of picking up infection-causing microbes.
Does Ear Pain After Swimming Warrant a Trip to Urgent Care?
Ear infections can escalate quickly if left untreated. What starts as a mild irritation can lead to intense pain, swelling, fever, or even hearing loss. If your child has persistent symptoms or if they're experiencing severe pain, it's essential to visit an urgent care clinic. Early treatment can prevent complications and bring quick relief to your child. Plus, medical professionals can confirm the cause of the discomfort and recommend the best treatment, whether it's antibiotic drops, ear cleaning, or other care.
Visit AFC Back Bay for Same-Day Ear Infection Diagnosis and Treatment
If your child is complaining of ear pain after going swimming, they could be developing an ear infection called swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear is caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal, leading to a bacterial infection. It typically requires treatment with antibiotics. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our walk-in clinic makes it convenient to receive prompt care for your family right in the heart of Boston. We’re open 7 days a week, and offer care for patients of all ages.
Our clinic accepts walk-in patients daily, and we have short wait times. If you’re in need of convenient same-day medical care, walk into the clinic! We work with most medical insurance plans, and we have competitive rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, walk into the clinic for same-day care, or give us a call at (617) 869-0500.
