Ear pain after swimming might not seem like a big deal at first, but if the discomfort persists or worsens, you could be dealing with swimmer’s ear. Also known as otitis externa, swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, and it can cause anything from mild irritation to intense pain. If you’ve never experienced it before you might be wondering what it actually feels like. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you get the treatment you need and avoid complications.
For same-day swimmer’s ear treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale. Our medical team is available 7 days a week and treats patients of all ages. Just walk in or plan your visit in advance below!
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow. It’s most common in children and teens who spend a lot of time in pools, lakes, or the ocean. However, anyone (especially adults who use earplugs or hearing aids) can develop this infection. Swimmer’s ear begins in the outer ear canal, not the middle ear– as with typical ear infections– and symptoms tend to come on gradually.
Common Symptoms: What Swimmer’s Ear Feels Like
Swimmer’s ear can range from mildly irritating to very painful depending on the severity of the infection. Most patients describe the following symptoms:
- Itching or Irritation: One of the first signs of swimmer’s ear is a persistent itch deep inside the ear canal. This may feel like a tickling or crawling sensation and often precedes any pain.
- Mild to Moderate Pain: As the infection develops, it often causes a dull ache or sharp pain that worsens when you tug on the earlobe or press the outer ear. This is a key sign that the issue is in the outer ear, not deeper inside. The ear canal may become red, swollen, or even tender to the touch.
- Fullness or Blocked Feeling: Swimmer’s ear can make the ear feel clogged or full, similar to the sensation of water being stuck after swimming. This may be accompanied by temporary hearing loss.
- Drainage: You might notice clear fluid, pus, or discharge coming from the ear canal. This is your body’s response to the infection, and the fluid may have an unpleasant smell.
- Advanced Symptoms: If left untreated, swimmer’s ear can progress to increased pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or spread of infection beyond the ear. These signs mean it’s time to seek immediate medical attention.
When To Visit Urgent Care For Swimmer’s Ear
You should visit urgent care if:
- Your ear pain is moderate to severe
- You have discharge or swelling
- The pain worsens over time or doesn’t improve in a day or two
- You develop a fever or notice spreading redness
- Your hearing is affected
At an urgent care center, your medical provider can examine your ear, determine if it’s swimmer’s ear, and prescribe antibiotic or antifungal ear drops. In some cases, they may clean the ear canal or recommend additional medication to reduce swelling and pain.
Get Walk-In Swimmer’s Ear Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale
Swimmer’s ear often starts with itching and progresses to pain, pressure, and discharge, especially after water exposure. If you’re experiencing these symptoms don’t ignore them. Early treatment can relieve discomfort and prevent complications. Come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale for fast, effective care and get back to enjoying your summer– without the earache. Visit our center today with no appointment required. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about swimmer’s ear treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our team directly at (303) 935-1000.
