Swimmers ear - Otitis externa
The medical name for swimmers ear is Otitis externa. Otitis
externa is also what we would call a common ear ache. It is an
inflammation, infection or otherwise an irritation of the outer
ear and inner ear canal.
Symptoms of Otitis externa include: - Decreasage in
hearing or total hearing loss
- Ear pain which may worsen when
pulling on the outer of the ear
- Drainage that comes from the
ear
- Itching of the inner ear or ear canal
This infection
very common, especially among young adults and teenagers. One
easy way to contract swimmer's ear is by swimming in polluted
water. Also though, it is possible to contract the infection by
swimming in a pool that is well maintained. Swimming in water
isn't the only way to contract Otitis
externa; Even simply water trapped in the ear canal after a
shower can cause the infection. This is especially true of
showering in a humid climate. The condition can also be caused
by scratching the ear or having debree caught in it. Thus making
water not the only cause.
Often times skin is damaged or irrated when trying to clean wax
from the ear canal. This is especially true when using cotton
swabs or small objects. Sometimes it is associated with middle
ear infection or upper respiratory infections such as colds.
Middle ear infections can occur after the ear drum is perforated
by a fungal growth from the outer ear.
Physician are able to detect an ear infection by looking into
the ear. An infected ear will in most cases look red and swollen
on the outside and on inside of the ear canal. To treat an ear
infection the ear canal should be cleaned completely of
drainage. Cleaning the ear canal allows topical medications to
work more effectively. If the infection is severe, it may be
necessary for a doctor to aspirate the ear as twice a week for
the first few weeks of treatment.