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Swimmer's ear, also referred to as acute otitis externa, manifests as a painful infection in the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. This condition earns its moniker 'swimmer's ear' due to its common occurrence when contaminated water infiltrates the ear canal during swimming or bathing. Additionally, improper ear hygiene leading to damage of the protective layer of skin can also result in swimmer's ear. A moist ear canal environment is conducive to the development of this infection. Familiarize yourself with the signs of swimmer’s ear and seek appropriate care promptly to prevent the infection from escalating and spreading.
Procedures
Spotting the Initial Infection
Notice an Itch in Your Ear. Sensing an itch in the outer ear and ear canal serves as the primary indication of swimmer’s ear.
- Given that water exposure is a primary cause of ear infections, pay close attention to any itching that arises shortly after swimming.
- Infections caused by fungi tend to result in more intense itching compared to bacterial infections.
Check for redness within your ear. If you notice a slight reddish hue starting just inside your ear, it could be indicative of an ear infection.
- In most instances, the infection will be localized to one ear.
Be mindful of any discomfort. You may not experience intense pain yet, but even slight discomfort could signal the presence of an ear infection.
- This discomfort becomes more apparent as an ear infection if aggravation occurs by manipulating your outer ear (known as the pinna) or applying pressure to the small bump on the front of your ear (known as the tragus). Irritations induced by the pinna and tragus are classic indicators of swimmer’s ear.
Keep an eye out for any discharge. During this phase of the infection, any drainage would typically consist of clear and odorless fluid.
- As the infection progresses, the drainage often turns yellowish and emits a foul odor.
Consult your physician. Upon detecting initial signs of an ear infection, it's advisable to consult your physician. Although not an immediate medical emergency, the infection can advance to a stage of significant pain, chronic damage to the ear, and widespread infection.
- It's important to distinguish between swimmer's ear, an infection in the ear canal typically caused by water exposure, and a middle ear infection (otitis media). Otitis media commonly occurs during or after upper respiratory infections or due to allergies. Your physician can determine the type of infection and prescribe appropriate treatment.
- Over-the-counter ear drops are not usually effective in clearing the infection. You will likely need a prescription from your physician for antibiotic or antifungal ear drops.
- During the examination, your physician will use an otoscope to inspect your ear canal and tympanic membrane (ear drum), which are not easily visible to you. Additionally, your physician may take a swab of your ear discharge to determine the nature of the infection and prescribe suitable medication.
- Typically, antibiotic ear drops containing a steroid to reduce inflammation and pain will be prescribed by your physician to treat swimmer's ear. Your physician will also provide recommendations to alleviate pain until the infection resolves.
Identifying an Advancing Infection
Monitor changes in sensation. You may notice heightened itching and increased discomfort progressing to pain. The intensifying pain stems from fluid buildup and inflammation in your ear caused by this advancing infection.
- You may experience a sensation of fullness and partial blockage in the affected ear due to accumulation.
- The onset of pain and fullness may take a few days and could worsen during yawning or swallowing.
Assess the extent of redness. As the infection advances, the redness in your ear will become more pronounced.
Observe changes in drainage. The volume of drainage from your ear may increase, and it may now appear purulent.
- Pus, a thick yellowish fluid with a foul odor, typically accompanies infections. Use a clean tissue to gently wipe away the pus from your outer ear.
Evaluate your hearing. You may notice a slight decrease or muffling in your hearing.
- This change in hearing is attributed to blockage in your ear canal.
- Cover your unaffected ear and assess your hearing from the affected ear.
Assessing an Advanced Stage
Prepare for intensified pain. You may now experience severe pain radiating to your face, neck, jaw, or the affected side of your head due to the advanced ear infection.
- If you're experiencing severe symptoms, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention by consulting your doctor or visiting the emergency room.
Foresee diminished hearing. You may now have complete blockage of your ear canal, leading to reduced hearing ability in the infected ear.
Watch for physical alterations. The redness of your ear will escalate, and your outer ear may exhibit swelling and increased redness.
Check for neck swelling. With the progression of the infection, your body's lymphatic system will be mobilized to combat it. Swelling in the lymph nodes in your neck signifies an advanced stage of infection.
- Using the middle three fingers of your hand, gently palpate the sides of your neck and beneath your jawline to detect swelling in your lymph nodes.
Monitor for fever. As the infection begins to impact your body more profoundly, your immune system will ramp up efforts to fight it. An elevation in temperature is one way your body creates an unfavorable environment for infections to thrive.
- A fever typically registers above 37.3°C or 99°F.
- Various methods can be used to measure fever, including tympanic (ear) thermometers. When measuring temperature with an ear infection, ensure to use the opposite ear for an accurate reading, as the infection can artificially elevate the temperature in the affected ear.
Recommendations
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Using a cotton swab to clean the ears is a common cause of children contracting ear infections.
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Bacterial infection is the primary culprit behind most ear infections. Swimmer's ear is typically triggered by either 'Staphylococcus aureus' or 'Pseudomonas aeruginosa,' with the latter being more prevalent. Fungal infection accounts for less than 10 percent of swimmer's ear cases.
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To minimize the risk of swimmer's ear, avoid swimming in untreated water (as opposed to chlorinated pool water), particularly when bacterial levels are elevated; use earplugs while swimming; insert cotton balls in your ears when applying hair products or dye; thoroughly dry your ears with a towel after exposure to water, and refrain from inserting any objects into your ears, including cotton swabs and fingers.
