Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is a condition that affects the outer ear canal. It is typically caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, often due to water remaining in the ear after swimming or exposure to moisture. Swimmer’s ear can last for months and are common among children and teenagers who swim often.
Swimmer’s Ear Causes and Symptoms
Swimmer’s ear is common in children due to its narrow ear canals, making it easy to trap water. Below are some causes of the swimmer's ear, so you can easily prevent it.
- Prolonged exposure to water, such as from swimming, showering, or humid weather.
- Scratching the ear canal with objects like cotton swabs or hairpins.
- Inserting foreign objects into the ear canal can also cause irritation or abrasions, leading to infection.
- Allergic reactions to hair products, jewelry, or substances that come into contact with the ear can trigger inflammation and irritation.
- Certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can affect the ear canal's skin and increase the risk of infection.
Having known the causes of swimming ears, what are the symptoms to look out for? These symptoms are listed below.
- Ear pain: Swimmer's ear often causes severe, sharp pain that may worsen when the ear is pulled or touched.
- Itching: Itchiness inside the ear canal is a common early symptom.
- Redness and swelling: The ear canal may become red, swollen, and tender to the touch.
- Fluid drainage: Pus or clear fluid might ooze from the ear canal, indicating an infection.
- Decreased hearing: The accumulation of fluid and swelling can temporarily affect hearing.
- The feeling of fullness: The affected ear may feel plugged or blocked.
- Discomfort when chewing or talking: Movements of the jaw can exacerbate the pain.
- Sensitivity: The ear may be sensitive to pressure or manipulation.
Persistent Swimmer’s Ear: Recognizing Chronic Swimmer’s Ear Symptoms
Persistent or chronic swimmer's ear can be more challenging to treat and may require more aggressive or specialized interventions. Here is how to know when the situation is becoming severe:
- Pain, discomfort, or irritation in the ear that persists for weeks or keeps returning after treatment.
- The infection might clear up temporarily with treatment but return soon after completing the medication.
- Continuous or intermittent fluid or pus draining from the ear canal.
- Ongoing itchiness in the ear canal that doesn't subside with treatment.
- The skin lining the ear canal might thicken, leading to a narrowed ear canal
- Chronic infections and inflammation can lead to decreased hearing over time.
- The ear canal might remain swollen and red for an extended period.
Getting Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at Urgent Care
It's important to note that if you suspect you have a swimmer's ear or are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Urgent Care has healthcare providers that can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. The treatment may include antibiotic or antifungal ear drops, pain relief, and keeping the ear dry.
