The swimmer's ear

The ear of the float is inflammation of the outer ear, which occurs as a result of prolonged or frequent staying in the water - for example in the pool. The disease is caused by bacteria and fungi whose presence causes inflammation and pain associated with it, itching, fever.

The swimmer's ear - causes

The float's ear is an inflammation of the outer ear caused by the exposure of the ear canal to water or moisture. The name comes from the fact that the disease most often concerns diving people, or swimmers. Swimming is not her only possible cause, however. You can also get sick if:

• you stay for a long time in a place with high humidity and high temperature (eg in tropical countries or in the sauna),
• you irritate the ear, e.g. by sticking a cosmetic stick into it,
• you are too deep into the ears of the Walkman
• in the summer you take a bath in not fully clean water reservoirs, or you do not care about drying your ears well after water has reached them.

Swimmer's ear - symptoms

The result of the float's ear is damage to the epithelium that lines the auditory canal, which creates conditions for the growth of bacteria (including blue oil rod). In case of people diving, the cause of the infection may also be fungi.

The most common symptoms are:

·         earache - especially when eating,

·         annoying itching,

·         feeling of closing the ear,

·         a small leak from the ear,

·         fever

Swimmer's ear - treatment

Typically, the treatment of a swimmer's ear involves the administration of antibiotic drops to the ear. If the disease is more advanced, it is sometimes necessary to give the antibiotic orally. In the case of pain, you can also get a painkiller. A sick ear requires warmth. Remember to take bath or wash your head to protect it from water inflow. In addition, you should avoid swimming - even for 1-2 months.

Swimmer's ear - complications

Inflammation of the outer ear can be recurrent. Improperly treated patients can stutter and create difficulties in therapy. In addition, with accompanying damage to the tympanic membrane, the inflammation may pass to the deeper structures of the hearing organ, which is associated with a more severe course and a greater risk of serious complications. Inflammation can also pass from the external ear to neighboring tissues, including, for example, the pinna cartilage.

Swimmer's ear - prevention

Is there an effective way to prevent this disease? Absolutely! Here's what you should do:

• every time you get water to your ears, carefully, but gently dry them,
• when, despite everything, your ears get wet, you can inject 2-3 drops of alcohol and fruit vinegar (1: 1 ratio) or special drops into the ear canal, which - by acidifying the environment of the ear canal - disinfects it and prevent the growth of bacteria,
• avoid swimming in contaminated water reservoirs,
• if you dive, please take special care of your ears: use special plugs that prevent the ear from getting into your ears and keep them in the right temperature; after leaving, protect your ears from the cold - put on a hat,
• if your ears have frequent contact with water. use prophylactically special drops that allow you to maintain adequate humidity in the ear ducts, and thanks to some additives have an antibacterial and astringent effect,
• avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes - this also applies to air-conditioned rooms!