An outer ear canal infection is known as swimmer's ear. In medical terms, it is called otitis externa. It manifests when water gets trapped inside the ear, and bacterial infection occurs due to a moist environment. Swimmers are more prone to this infection. This is why it is named "Swimmer's Ear." Also, it can arise from other conditions that cause the ear to sweat excessively, such as humid weather or wearing headphones or earplugs.
Proper medical treatment is required to inhibit the growth of infection that would cause the entire ear canal damage. Let's explore the complete information about swimmers that will help you stay safe.
The Difference between Swimmer's Ear and Ear Infection
Both infections carry almost the same symptoms, but this doesn't mean they are the same. There is a difference, for sure. Ear infection happens in the eardrum and infects it, whereas swimmer's ear infects the ear canal. Treatment through antibiotics is required for ear infections, but swimmer's ear may go away on its own.
The Cause of Swimmer's Ear
The best growth medium for any bacteria is water and a moist environment. Most people love to enjoy swimming and water-based activities in summer. Swimming is also a beneficial exercise that involves every part of your body.
While swimming or in a moist environment, water and sweat gets trapped into the ear canal. The conditions here are perfect for bacteria to flourish.
With time, bacteria grow into your ear canal and sometimes cause multiple symptoms like itching, burning, pain, and hearing loss.
Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear
Initially, a patient may experience a sharp pain in the ear, but slowly and gradually, and due to the manifestation of infection, they would face some other problems too. These symptoms may include:
- Difficulty in hearing
- A sticky, colorless fluid coming out
- Fever
- Itching in the ear canal
- A sharp pain
- Difficulty in sleeping
Prevention
There is a saying, "Prevention is better than cure." You cannot deny swimming because it is an exercise, but you can take precautionary measures to help you avoid this infection. It is important to wear earplugs while going swimming. This will stop water from entering your ears. Moreover, you must dry your ears properly once you are done swimming. This will help you take out the entrapped water into your ear canal. Shake your head side by side to drain water from the ear canals.
Treatment
Sometimes swimmer's ear goes away with time. You can treat it yourself or may seek medical advice.
Treatment at Home
This infection stays mostly mild. You can treat it with symptomatic treatment at your home without difficulty. Tylenol or Advil is the best option as a painkiller that will help you lessen the pain in the ear. Sleeping on the affected side is another common method for finding relief. This can aid in the drainage of extra fluid from your ear and stop the infection from spreading.
When to Seek Medical Care
You would permanently lose your hearing if the swimmer's ear was left untreated. Its timely treatment is crucial. It's best to consult a doctor if your earache persists despite your best efforts at home after a few days. The physician will treat your infection with specific antibiotics ear drops to prevent its growth.
Get Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Union City
Prevention is the best strategy to stay away from any disease. While enjoying yourself, you must take care of yourself, which is only possible through preventive measures. Wearing earplugs and drying your ears properly will help you for your safety. If you require swimmer’s ear treatment, please visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Call us at (551) 257-1948 for more information.
