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 As
summer comes to an end, this is a better time to reminisce about the
past season filled with beach volleyball, outdoor barbecues and outbreaks
of swimmer's ear. A look at the hospital waiting rooms across the
country, suggest that more Otitis Externa (also known as infection
of the outer ear or swimmer's ear) outbreaks are occurring these days,
and there seems to be no end in sight. With a few preventive tips
you can keep your family relatively disease and pain-free from otitis
externa this fall season.
How does Swimmer's Ear occur?
Swimmer's ear is caused mainly by infections, usually bacterial or
fungal in origin. The main culprit is a bacterium known as Pseudomonas
Aeruginosa. And just as it sounds, swimmer's ear is found mainly with
exposure to the ear via polluted water, as in swimming or showering.
Spending too much time in the water can cause water to be trapped
in the canal, allowing for a moist environment for bacteria and fungi
to grow.
What Are The Symptoms Of Swimmer's Ear?
Quite simply, pain occurs especially when you touch the ear. Other
symptoms can include redness, itching and ear drainage. Pain may increase
when you turn your head frequently. There may also be hearing loss,
especially if the canal is swollen.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine the ear with an otoscope, inspecting the
ear canal for signs of infection. He or she will also carefully examine
the area surrounding the ear, looking for external ear tenderness
and drainage.
How Is Swimmer's Ear Treated?
Usually antibiotic eardrops are prescribed to fight the infection.
If the ear canal is severely swollen, sometimes the doctor, to allow
the eardrops to reach the infected area, places a wick. If the infection
is severe or if a middle ear infection is suspected (otitis media),
then an oral antibiotic in addition to the eardrops are also prescribed.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce the ear pain.
Is Swimmer's Ear Dangerous?
Not usually, but those with depressed immune systems such as diabetics
should be wary of the infection which might spread to other areas.
If you present with symptoms of otitis externa you should seek medical
attention immediately.
Keys to Prevention
- Be picky
about the pool when you take your family swimming;
-
Avoid
excessive showering. Baths or washing your hair in the sink is a
safer alternatives;
- As soon
as you get out of the water, pull on your ear in different directions
to get the water out or try simple blow dry with a hair dryer;
-
Wear
clean earplugs before diving in;
-
Never
put anything in the ear canal, especially q-tips;
-
If
you or your child are prone to swimmer's ear, over the counter ear
drops are useful in preventing infections from occurring, by drying
the ear canal and changing the acidity of the environment. A 50:50
mixture of isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar may also be equally
effective.
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