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Pool Owner’s Guide to Recreational Water Illnesses, Part 3

Last updated on September 9, 2022 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

young girl swimmer resting against side of pool

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.”

kids with pool inner tubes happily swimming

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.

baby floating on tube in swimming pool

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.

elementary age boy grimacing at cold pool water

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.

smiling young teen girl resting against pool edge

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.

Continue Reading about Pools

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• Picking Decking: How To Deal the Perfect Backyard Deck

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Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 500,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.

Filed Under: Health & Fitness, Swimming Pools

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