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Are you wondering why your ear hurts after swimming? It’s a common problem, and we’ve got the answer.
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Introduction
Have you ever gone for a swim and come out with pain in your ear? This is a common problem, especially for children. The medical term for this condition is “swimmer’s ear”. It is also known as “otitis externa” or “outer ear infection”. Swimmer’s ear can be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. It is most commonly caused by bacteria.
What Causes Swimmers Ear?
There are many causes of swimmer’s ear, but the most common is bacteria that enters the ear through a cut or scrape. The bacteria can also enter through the Eustachian tube, which drains fluid from the middle ear. When this tube is plugged or not draining properly, bacteria can grow and cause an infection. Swimmer’s ear is also caused by viruses, fungi, and irritants such as water that is too cold or too hot.
How to Prevent Swimmers Ear?
Swimmers ear is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by bacteria. The most common symptom is pain that gets worse when you pull on your ear. Other symptoms may include itching, drainage from the ear, and hearing loss.
Swimmers ear is most common in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age. Swimmers ear is more likely to occur if you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, or if you have allergies that cause inflammation of the skin in the ear canal.
You can help prevent swimmers ear by keeping your ears clean and dry. After swimming, use a towel to dry your ears well, and then use a cotton swab to remove any water that might be trapped in the canal. You should also avoid putting objects in your ear canal, and avoid swimming in water that might be contaminated with bacteria. If you have any symptoms of swimmers ear, see your doctor right away so it can be treated before it gets worse.
How to Treat Swimmers Ear?
Swimmers ear is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is usually caused by water that stays in the ear after swimming, creating a damp environment that bacteria can grow in. Swimmers ear can also be caused by other activities that expose the ear to moisture, such as taking a shower or bath, or working in a humid environment.
The symptoms of swimmers ear include pain, itchiness, and drainage from the ear. The pain is often worse when the affected ear is pulled on or pressed. The itchiness can be so severe that it leads to Constant scratching of the ear which can further irritate and inflame the skin. The drainage from the ear may be watery, pus-filled, or bloody.
Swimmers ear can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These include eardrops that contain antibiotics, antifungals, or both to kill the bacteria and/or fungus causing the infection. It is important to use these eardrops for the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms go away before you finish the course.
If OTC treatments do not relieve your symptoms, or if you have severe pain or pus coming from your ear, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or steroid eardrops to clear up the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to clean out the infected ear canal and remove any buildup of wax or debris.
Conclusion
There are a few different reasons why your ear may hurt after swimming. It could be due to an infection, water in the ear, or swimmer’s ear. If you have an infection, you may also have a fever, pus draining from the ear, or pain that gets worse when you move your head. If you have water in your ear, you may feel fullness or pressure in the affected ear. Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal and can cause pain, itching, and redness. If you think you may have an infection, it’s best to see a doctor so they can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
