We often get water in our ears while bathing or swimming in water. Especially in the summer season, water gets into the ear due to bathing for a long time. If for some reason water does not come out of the ear or water gets stuck in the ear, then in such a situation, there is a lot of trouble in the ear. Because of this, problems like irritation, inflammation, and infection have to be faced in your outer ear and ear canal. This problem is called a swimmer's ear or otitis externa.

In this regard, a swimmer's ear is caused by coming in contact with water-containing bacteria. Due to this, inflammation and infection start increasing in the external ear canal. This problem is more common in people who take frequent baths in swimming pools.

Swimmer's Ear Symptoms

• If you are suffering from a swimmer's ear, you may see the following symptoms.

• Earache (The pain may start a day or two after watering in the ear.)

• Pain when touching or pulling the ear

• Ear pain while eating

• Itching in the ear canal

• Inflammation of ear canal

• Feeling like ears are closed

• Redness of the outer part of the ear

• Pus in the ear canal. (In this case, consult your doctor immediately.)

Swimmer's Ear Causes

The ear itself helps protect against many infections. Wax is made by glands present in the ear canal. Ear wax creates a layer in the ear canal to protect it from water, to prevent water infection. Acid and antibacterial properties are found in this layer of the ear, which does not allow bacteria to grow in the ear. But when this layer doesn't function properly, the swimmer's ear can occur due to water getting into the ear.

Swimmer's ear occurs when there is too much moisture in the ear. For example, there is a lot of sweating in the ears, getting wet in the rain, etc.

Ear infections occur when the immune system to prevent bacteria overpowers. Because of this, the ear is not able to defend itself, due to which bacteria start growing in the ear.

Swimmer's Ear Treatment

A Swimmer's ear can be treated in several ways. For this, some doctors may advise you to put painkillers in the ear. Apart from this, some medicines can also be given. Some cream can also be given to put in the ear.

Swimmers Ear Prevention

• Tilt your head to one side after swimming to prevent the swimmer's ear.

• Lean to one side while chewing on your mouth when water gets into the ear. This will remove all the water from the ear after a few minutes.

• When water enters the ear, close both your ears with your fingers and slowly inhale and exhale. Be careful not to push too hard. This will drain the water from the ear.

• If water does not come out of the ear by this method, then go to the doctor. This will not increase your problem.

You can reduce the problem of swimmer's ear in these ways. But take care not to let the dirty water get into the ear. If you are swimming, swim with caution. Protect the ear from rainwater. So that you can prevent the infection from spreading in the ear.

ENT specialist in Abu Dhabi

Our ENT specialists at Adam and Eve Specialized Medical Centre can treat a swimmer’s ear if you are unsuccessful in treating it at home. Book an appointment with our ENT specialists today.