Swimmer’s ear is a common summertime condition, especially for those who spend a lot of time in the water. It usually causes itching, redness, and pain in the outer ear– but in some cases, it can lead to unexpected symptoms like dizziness or vertigo. So, can swimmer’s ear really affect your balance? In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between swimmer’s ear and vertigo, what causes this condition, and when it’s time to seek medical care.
For same-day swimmer’s ear treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Our medical team can examine your condition and provide the best treatment. No appointments are required– just walk-in any day of the week!
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimming is fun, but also dangerous as many things can go wrong. The condition “swimmer’s ear” is one possible complication, and is caused by water pooling within the ear for a sufficiently long period for bacteria to propagate. If this type of infection continues to develop, then it can potentially lead to vertigo.
Other Reasons For Vertigo While Swimming
Swimmer’s ear isn’t the only condition that can create vertigo while you swim; there are others that you’ve got to look out for, such as:
1. Allergies
Most people swim in the water while not paying attention to their allergy and how it may advance effects on them while they swim. Occasionally, while sneezing or coughing as a natural response to the allergy, the swimmer may end up accidentally swallowing some water in their ear and nose, thereby possibly causing sinus and ear infections.
2. Low Blood Sugar
Experts will advise people, especially children, not to take a swim just after eating. This is normally for their safety, as it can cause some problems with digestion, causing problems in the gastrointestinal system. But this advice can have its negative impact, especially since it means most people will get into the water and engage in physically draining activities like swimming despite not having eaten for hours. Such a decision causes low blood sugar, and hence vertigo and fainting spells.
3. Dehydration
It’s the same thing with fluid intake since most people drink their bulk of water when eating, most forget to drink water before they swim. This attitude combined with the fact that they would be around a lot of water in the pool lulls their brains into a false sense of security. Which makes them forget that they can get dehydrated while swimming due to the fact that it’s a strenuous activity that’ll cause moisture drain.
4. Asthma
Heavy chlorine and the presence of allergies can trigger asthma. This, combined with the strain of swimming and difficulty breathing, will quickly make one feel faint and dizzy.
5. High Stress
The body responds to stress in various ways but before swimming, you have to make sure your blood pressure isn’t low especially if you're an inexperienced swimmer, as any elevated stress will swiftly reduce the blood flowing to your brain, causing severe vertigo which can make you drown.
How To Treat Vertigo From Swimmer's Ear
1. Try and Evacuate The Water As Soon As Possible
Once you get water into your ear canal or start to notice that strange filtering feeling to every sound you hear, then you should start taking precautions by first getting out of the water, notifying those around you and trying to drain out the water from your ear. This will quickly get rid of the water, reducing the chance of it disrupting your ear, preventing vertigo.
2. Take Certain Precautions If You Have a Respiratory Issue
If you have a medical history or any other respiratory issues, then you should take proper care whenever you get into the water. This should be taken to mind especially near water bodies close to plants or trees and those that have just been recently chlorinated.
3. Good Hydration
Avoid getting dehydrated by making sure your intake of water and other electrolytes is high. Even though you can’t eat before swimming, it doesn't mean you should stay dehydrated and without energy. Fluids rich in fruit and sugars will go a long way in replenishing your energy and keeping you hydrated.
4. Avoid Sudden Head Movements
You must remind yourself when swimming to pace yourself and avoid situations that elevate your stress. You should also avoid making sudden head movements when in water. Humans aren’t fish, and any sudden movement while in the water will cause BPPV.
Any situation of swimmer’s ear no matter how mild requires that you seek medical attention quickly, at your nearest urgent care because any downplay of its effect might quickly see you dealing with hearing loss.
Get Walk-In Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove
While swimmer’s ear typically affects the outer ear, it can sometimes lead to vertigo or a sensation of dizziness– especially if the infection causes swelling that impacts nearby structures. If you’re experiencing ear pain along with balance problems, it’s important to get evaluated to rule out more serious inner ear conditions. At AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove, our providers can diagnose swimmer’s ear, provide relief with ear drops or antibiotics, and help you get back to feeling steady and pain-free. Our facility accepts most health insurance plans and offers low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about poison ivy treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (973) 239-2300.
