Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear, medically known as Otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal that runs from the eardrum to the outside of the ear. It’s often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming, which creates a moist environment that helps bacteria or fungi.
Putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in your ears also can lead to swimmer’s ear by damaging the thin layer of skin lining your ear canal.
Types –
• Acute Otitis Externa: Sudden onset with noticeable symptoms.
• Chronic Otitis Externa: Persistent or recurring infection, sometimes linked to underlying conditions.
Symptoms –
Swimmer’s ear symptoms are usually mild at first, but they can worsen if your infection isn’t treated or spreads. Doctors often classify swimmer’s ear according to mild, moderate and advanced stages of progression.
Mild Sign & Symptoms
- Itching in your ear canal
- Slight redness inside your ear
- Mild discomfort that’s made worse by pulling on your outer ear (pinna or auricle) or pushing on the little “bump” in front of your ear (tragus)
- Some drainage of clear, odorless fluid
Moderate progression
- More-intense itching
- Increasing pain
- More-extensive redness in your ear
- Excessive fluid drainage
- Feeling of fullness inside your ear and partial blockage of your ear canal by swelling, fluid and debris
- Decreased or muffled hearing
Advanced progression
- Severe pain that might radiate to your face, neck or side of your head
- Complete blockage of your ear canal
- Redness or swelling of your outer ear
- Swelling in the lymph nodes in your neck
- Fever
Causes –
Swimmer’s ear is an infection that’s usually caused by bacteria. It’s less common for a fungus or virus to cause swimmer’s ear.
• Prolonged exposure to water (e.g., swimming, humid environments).
• Trauma to the ear canal (e.g., ear cleaning, use of headphones).
• Bacterial or fungal infections.
Risk Factors –
Factors that can increase the risk of swimmer’s ear include:
• Swimming, especially in contaminated water.
• Use of devices that may damage the ear canal.
• Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
• Narrow ear canals.
Complications –
Swimmer’s ear usually isn’t serious if treated promptly, but complications can occur.
• Spread of infection to nearby tissues.
• Cellulitis (skin infection).
• Hearing loss if left untreated.
• Chronic and recurrent infections.
Diagnosis –
• Medical history and symptom evaluation.
• Physical examination of the ear.
• Swab for laboratory analysis to identify the causative organism.
Treatment –
• Antibiotic or Antifungal Ear Drops: Target the specific infection.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Avoidance of Water Exposure: Critical during treatment.
• Ear Cleaning: To remove debris and aid medication penetration.
Homeremedies –
• Few drops of Bhangra juice mixed with black tulsi poured in the affected ear can provide quick relief.
• Extracting juice of mango leaves or neem leaves and using it as ear drops helps too. These drops are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects
• The leaves of holy basil (tulsi) are considered to be an effective ear pain remedy in Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurvedic Medicine –
• Sarivadi Vati
• Chandraprabha Vati
• Bilvadi oil
• Garlic oil
Preventive Measures –
• Earplugs: Use during swimming or in water-prone situations.
• Drying Ears Thoroughly: After swimming or bathing.
• Avoiding Insertion of Objects: Discourage use of cotton swabs in the ear canal.
Follow-up Care –
• Complete the full course of prescribed medications.
• Monitor for any signs of recurrence.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
When to See a Doctor?
• Severe pain or worsening symptoms.
• Prolonged or recurrent infections.
• Presence of discharge with a foul odor.
• Systemic symptoms like fever or dizziness.
Prognosis –
• With prompt and appropriate treatment, most cases resolve without complications.
• Chronic cases may require ongoing management and preventive measures.
In conclusion, understanding the various facets of swimmer’s ear, from its causes to preventive measures, empowers individuals to safeguard their ear health.
Early recognition of symptoms and timely intervention play pivotal roles in ensuring a swift and complete recovery from this common yet often underestimated condition.
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