Swimmer s Ear is mainly an infection that affects the
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Also termed as Otitis Externa, Swimmer s Ear is an acute form of bacterial infection that affects the outer ear canal. As indicative of the name, Swimmer s Ear mostly affects children as well as adults who spend a considerable amount of time in the water. Following swimming (or other water sports or activities), some water may get trapped in the ear. With time, the moist environment inside the ear serves as a perfect condition for some bacteria to thrive in triggering Swimmer s Ear. At times, use of an earbud or safety pin can also irritate the ear canal resulting in Swimmers Ear.
One of the early symptoms of Swimmer s Ear include
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With the bacterial infection, people usually complain of itching and redness of the ear and the ear canal. As the bacterial infection progresses, the itching, redness and the ear pain aggravates further. There is also pus discharge from the ear with a partial blockage of the ear canal and a temporary hearing loss. In extreme cases, the ear canal is blocked completely with the excruciating pain affecting the neck, face, and even the head.
Left untreated, Swimmer's Ear can trigger complications such as
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In addition to earache and itchiness, Swimmer's Ear can also affect the hearing ability of a person. Particularly in diabetic patients, the bacterial infection can trigger inflammation that may severely damage the cartilages of the outer ear resulting in Necrotizing Otitis Externa. Early diagnosis and treatment can go a long way to stall the spread of the bacterial infection to the other parts of the body including the brain.
Keeping the ear dry is essential to prevent the Swimmer's Ear
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Always use ear protection gear while swimming. You can also use a towel to dry the ear properly. People (be it children or adults) who have had an ear infection in the recent past should go for swimming or similar water-related activities only after consulting a physician. Never use sharp objects such as hairpins or matchsticks to clean the ear. Earbuds, if used, should be with care and precaution. The use of warm compress may ease the discomfort to some extent.
The use of antifungal or antibacterial medicines is a big no for Swimmer's Ear.
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The use of over the counter antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and antifungal medicines can go a long way to alleviate the infection and the associated symptoms. In the case of severe and chronic pain, the use of painkillers may be helpful. An ear-drop prepared using crushed garlic and olive oil heated together and filtered may be helpful (Make sure to consult the doctor before using the drop). During the course of treatment, one needs to avoid swimming, plugging in of earphones or flying unless advised by the doctor to do so.
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