Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
A dive into the water and all those splashes feel super fun. What’s not fun is the ear pain that crops up after you’ve had your share of fun at the beach. If you have an unusual earache, it could be more than the water trapped inside your ear. It can indicate a swimmer’s ear, which is a medical condition that occurs from the water being in the ear canal for a prolonged period, creating a perfect environment for the bacteria and fungi to thrive.
It affects the outer ear canal, causing an infection. If you suspect a swimmer’s ear, it’s important to see an ENT specialist in Navi Mumbai. An undiagnosed and untreated infection can cause complications if it spreads.
Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Knowing the symptoms can help determine if it’s a swimmer’s ear or another infection.
a) Itching Inside the Ear:
The most common sign of a swimmer’s ear is the itching inside the ear canal. It’s caused by the water trapped in your ears and the bacterial growth.
b) Redness and Swelling:
Inflamed skin inside the ear canal can cause irritation and redness. Another reason for the redness is increased blood circulation to the area. It occurs when your immune system attacks the bacteria, virus, or fungus that entered your ear canal. Your lymph nodes might also get swollen.
c) Pain When Touching the Ear:
The pain can be mild or severe depending on how much the infection has progressed. You might feel pain when touching the outer ear. The easiest way to know if you have a swimmer’s ear is by examining the pain. If your ear aches when you press or touch it, it’s most likely caused by the swimmer’s ear.
d) Fluid Drainage:
Another sign of a swimmer’s ear is pus-like drainage, which may appear clear or yellowish. Fluid builds up in the ear as a response to an active infection, and it drains to eliminate bacteria.
e) Reduced Hearing:
If you experience a clogged feeling in your ear, it could be a sign of a swimmer’s ear. The increased fluid buildup with swelling can affect your hearing ability.
f) Fever:
Your temperature rises when your immune system responds to the infection. However, fever in the swimmer’s ear is quite rare and occurs only when the infection has spread beyond the ear canal.
When to Seek Medical Attention
You need a swimmer’s ear treatment in Navi Mumbai if you develop any symptoms that suggest an infection. See your doctor immediately if you notice any or most of these symptoms:
- Reduced hearing
- Swelling and redness in the outer ear
- Pain when you tug or press your ear
- Fever
Prevention Tips
Yes, it’s preventable. To avoid a swimmer’s ear, keep your ear dry and follow these preventive measures.
- Avoid using cotton swabs or using your fingers to remove ear wax
- Use safety gear for your ear when swimming
- Move your head side-to-side to get the water out from the ear.
Swimmer’s ear is different from other infections in that it affects the outer ear canal. It’s mostly bacterial, although it can be viral or fungal in some cases. Early treatment can help prevent complications.
