Swimmer’s ear

Proven content

Swimmer’s ear is inflammation of the outer ear that occurs as a result of prolonged or frequent exposure to water – e.g. in a swimming pool. The disease is caused by bacteria and fungi, the presence of which causes inflammation and the associated pain, itching and fever.

Swimmer’s ear – causes

Swimmer’s ear is an inflammation of the outer ear caused by exposure of the ear canal to water or moisture. The name comes from the fact that the disease most often affects divers, i.e. swimmers. Swimming, however, is not the only possible cause. The disease may also occur when:

1. you are staying for a long time in a place with high air humidity and high temperature (e.g. in tropical countries or in a sauna),
2. you irritate the ear, e.g. by sticking a cotton swab deep into it,
3. you stick your Walkman headphones too deep in your ears,
4. you take baths in not completely clean water reservoirs in summer, or you do not care to dry your ears well after water has entered them.

Swimmer’s ear – symptoms

The swimmer’s ear results in damage to the epithelium lining the ear canal, which creates conditions for the growth of bacteria (including blue oil rod). Fungi can also be the cause of infection in divers.

The most common symptoms are:

1. earache – felt especially while eating,
2. nagging itching,
3. feeling of ear clogging
4. slight leakage from the ear
5. fever.

Swimmer’s ear – treatment

Typically, treatment of swimmer’s ear is by administering antibiotic drops into the ear. If the disease is more advanced, it may be necessary to administer the antibiotic orally. In case of pain, you may also be given a pain reliever. A sick ear requires warmth. You should remember to protect them against water inflow when bathing or washing your head. In addition, swimming must be avoided – even for 1-2 months.

Swimmer’s ear – complications

Otitis externa may recur. If not treated properly, it can be chronic and create difficulties in therapy. Moreover, with the accompanying damage to the eardrum, inflammation can spread to deeper structures of the hearing organ, which is associated with a more severe course and a greater risk of serious complications. Inflammation can also spread from the outer ear to adjacent tissues, including, for example, cartilage in the auricle.

1. Also read: Contagious Baths

Swimmer’s ear – prevention

Is there an effective way to prevent this disease? Absolutely! Here’s what you should be doing:

1. every time water gets into your ears, dry them carefully but gently,
2. when the ears get wet, you can insert 2-3 drops of a mixture of alcohol and fruit vinegar (in a 1: 1 ratio) or special drops into the ear canal, which – by acidifying the environment of the ear canal – disinfect it and prevent the growth of bacteria,
3. avoid swimming in contaminated water bodies,
4. if you dive, take special care of your ears: use special plugs that prevent water from entering your ears and keep them at the right temperature; after sailing out, protect your ears from the cold – put on a hat,
5. if your ears are in frequent contact with water. use prophylactic special drops that allow you to maintain adequate humidity in the ear canals, and thanks to some additives they have antibacterial and astringent properties,
6. avoid drafts and sudden changes in temperature – this also applies to air-conditioned rooms!

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