We see a lot of people returning from holidays with discharging ears.
Why?
As the weather warms up, many of us are drawn to the water for a refreshing swim. Whether it’s in a pool, a lake, or the ocean, swimming can be a fantastic way to cool off and stay active. However, spending time in the water can also come with some health risks, including swimmer’s ear. In this article, we’ll discuss what swimmer’s ear is, how to prevent it, and how to treat it if it does occur.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal. It typically occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment ideal for the growth of bacteria or fungi. Swimmer’s ear can cause discomfort and pain, and if left untreated, it can lead to complications such as hearing loss or the spread of the infection to other areas of the ear. This is particularly a problem with swimming pools that have a particular bug called pseudomonas in them. Lots of chlorine kills pseudomonas. But can irritate skin. Getting balance can be a challenge.
Prevention Is Key
The good news is that swimmer’s ear is largely preventable with some simple precautions. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your time in the water without putting your ears at risk:
1. Dry your ears: After swimming, use a clean, dry towel to gently dry the outer part of your ears. You can also tilt your head to the side and pull on your earlobe to help water drain out.
2. Avoid using cotton swabs: While it may be tempting to stick cotton swabs into your ear canal to remove water, it can actually push water and debris deeper into the ear, increasing the risk of infection. Never insert anything into your ear canal.
3. Earplugs and swim caps: Consider using earplugs designed for swimming to keep water out of your ears. Additionally, wearing a swim cap can help keep water from entering your ear canals.
4. Keep it clean: Maintain good ear hygiene by gently cleaning the outer part of your ears with a washcloth. Avoid inserting objects like Q-tips into your ear canal.
5. Stay out of polluted water: Avoid swimming in polluted water, as it increases the risk of infection. Choose clean, well-maintained swimming areas whenever possible. Check that the pool is regularly chlorinated.
Treatment for Swimmer’s Ear
If you do develop symptoms of swimmer’s ear, it’s important to seek treatment promptly. The common symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:
- Itching in the ear
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Pain, especially when touching or pulling on the earlobe
- Drainage of pus or fluid from the ear (typically green fluid from ear canal)
- Decreased hearing
To treat swimmer’s ear, your GP will typically prescribe ear drops that contain antibiotics or antifungal medication to clear the infection. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve before you finish the medication. This ensures that the infection is completely eradicated.
In some cases, if the infection is severe or doesn’t respond to treatment, you may need to have your ear canals cleaned by microsuction to remove pus, debris, and affected tissue. It’s essential to let a trained practitioner handle this procedure. Do not get your ears syringed, this will make infection worse or prolong it.
In Conclusion
Swimmer’s ear is a common ailment among swimmers, but with proper prevention measures, you can reduce your risk of developing this painful infection. Remember to keep your ears dry, avoid inserting objects into your ear canals, and seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms of swimmer’s ear. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your time in the water while safeguarding your ear health