Nothing is better than spending a hot summer day swimming around in the pool. It helps cool your body down and you will always climb out of the pool feeling refreshed after a long day at work. It is obvious swimming is one of the most popular activities people participate in during the summer.
Swimming sounds amazing and all, but there is always a catch. While swimming is considered relatively a low-risk activity, the risk is still there. One of the most common health conditions associated with swimming is Swimmer’s Ear. Swimmer’s Ear isn’t usually serious. However, if not being treated properly it might cause some unnecessary complications.
What is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) is an infection in the outer ear canal. This infection is often caused by water remaining inside your ear after swimming sessions, which created an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. In addition, scratching or poking the inside of your ears with your fingers can damage the sensitive skin there and cause the infection.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
While Swimmer’s Ear is not always serious and shows mild symptoms, improper or late treatment might worsen the symptoms.
Mild symptoms
- Itchy ear canal
- Slight red inside ear
- Some clear fluid
- Discomfort when pulling the outer ear
Moderate symptoms
- More itching
- More pain
- More redness in ears
- Excessive fluid or pus
- Blockage of ear canal by swelling, fluid, and debris
Advanced symptoms
- Severe pain that might spread to the sides of your head
- Fever
- Complete blockage of ear canal
- Reduced hearing ability
Treatment
Swimmer’s Ear is usually not a dangerous condition and could be easily treated with proper care. Depending on your case, your doctor might prescribe different types of treatments. First, they may clean the ear carefully to relieve irritation and pain. After that, antibiotic ear drops might be used to treat the problem. Some additional medications taken orally might be needed and prescribed by the doctor.
If you are experiencing Swimmer’s Ear, visit our FirstCall Medical Center facilities today for testing and treatments.
Stop by our urgent care center, or call us at 410-730-3399 for more information.