Skin disorders, respiratory ailments, and diarrheal illnesses are only a few of the several types of recreational water illnesses (see Parts 1 & 2). Ear infections are included in the group of RWIs that are frequently brought on by a concoction of pollutants and chemicals found in pool water. Otitis externa is the medical term for the type of ear infection brought on by water, but you probably know it better as “swimmer’s ear.”
Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is a common condition that results in about 2.4 million visits to the doctor annually. It’s crucial to realize that while swimmer’s ear is an infection, it differs from a middle ear infection, another frequent ear infection that can happen without exposure to water.
Swimmer’s ear, on the other hand, is an infection of the outer ear canal. Along with redness, swelling, pain, and itching inside the ear, this type of infection can also cause pus to occasionally flow from the ear. Swimmers of any age may develop it within a few days of being exposed to a pool. Children are more likely to develop swimmer’s ear, which can cause excruciating discomfort if additional pressure is applied to the ear.
Common Causes
When water enters the ear canal and stays there long enough for bacteria to thrive, it results in otitis externa, sometimes known as swimmer’s ear. This type of ear infection can also happen concurrently with skin infections. Although swimmer’s ear is not communicable, it is more frequently acquired in public swimming pools because of the higher prevalence of bacteria there. The likelihood of developing swimmer’s ear in your own private pool can be decreased as a pool owner by daily checking the pH level and other chemical levels to make sure they are all within acceptable ranges.
Treatment & Prevention
Even though swimmer’s ear can be quite painful, it is rather simple to cure with antibiotic ear drops. However, like other antibiotics, these drops are only accessible with a doctor’s prescription. Earplugs or a swimmer’s cap can be used as preventative measures for persons who are prone to swimmer’s ear. Even if you don’t follow those instructions, cleaning your ears after a swim or even a shower will help lower your risk of contracting this illness. To help water escape from your ear canal, you might find it helpful to tilt your head from one side to the other.
Utilizing a hair dryer to remove any lingering moisture is one additional preventative measure, but you must use the lowest heat setting, speed, and avoid getting the drier too close to the ear. Removing ear wax using cotton-tip swabs or other things is not advised because that ear wax actually protects your ear canal. Your doctor may suggest using ear drops after any exposure to a swimming pool if you are particularly prone to this type of infection in order to lower your risk of contracting it again in the future.
Continue reading with Part 4.
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