With the arrival of summer the activities in the water multiply and as a consequence ear infections. However, although less frequently, these also occur at this time of year among those who go to the pool to swim. One of the most common is called external otitis or swimmer's ear.
The causes
External otitis is an infection usually caused by bacteria. The ear canals have their own natural defenses to prevent these, wax is one of them, however there are factors that contribute to their failure and the appearance of infection.
As we have already mentioned, the most common cause of swimmer's ear is accumulation of water in the ear after having swum. Moisture in the ear canal creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and contribute to infection.
Another common cause is canal skin damage auditory by inserting fingers or some objects in the ears. And the third cause, much less likely at our borders, is exposure of the ear canal to contaminated water.
Prevention
Now that you know the causes, you can guess what to do to avoid infections. Especially if you have suffered otitis before and are prone to them, the following tips will help you protect your ear and avoid them in the future.
- Nothing with a hat or preferably earplugs in the ears to prevent the entry of water.
- Stay away from water that has a high bacteria count or has signs of contamination.
- After bathing, turn your head to both sides several times to make it easier for the water to come out.
- If you are prone to ear infections, check with your doctor and put on some sort of drops that facilitate drying ear and minimize the presence of bacteria.
- Do not scratch with your fingers even if you feel itchy if you introduce other elements to do so.
Symptoms and treatment
How can we identify that we suffer from swimmer's ear? An appointment with a doctor or specialist will solve all your doubts, but there are symptoms you can recognize in the different stages of the infection and that we share with you:
- In a first phase, when the otitis is cam, you can perceive the redness of the area and feel a slight itching in the ear canal. In addition, when touching the ear, a very light colored discharge may appear.
- in the next phase itching and pain increases, there is a partial blockage of the ear canal by inflammation, fluid and debris and as a consequence, a slight loss of hearing.
- If not treated, in an advanced stageThe pain increases and begins to affect the face and neck due to swelling in the lymph nodes in it. Symptoms that, in addition, are usually accompanied by fever and greater hearing loss.
The sooner you detect the possible infection and treat it the better. At the first symptoms, contact contact your doctor. He or she will probably prescribe a few drops that will quickly relieve your symptoms and prevent the infection from becoming more severe or spreading to other parts of your body, such as your brain or nearby nerves. It is very rare, but it could happen if it reaches a very advanced stage without any treatment.
Swimmer's otitis is not usually a serious otitis, complications do not usually appear. However, when due to treatment problems, skin conditions, or unusual infections, symptoms do not improve for months, it can become chronic.
Did you know external otitis also known as swimmer's ear? Have you ever suffered?