A Physician’s Explanation of a Swimmers Ear
An otitis externa to a physician is what we call a swimmers ear. This condition is an infection in the outer ears and it can make the person feel a pain in the ear, hence it is also referred to as an earache. There is a reddening and itching of the ear, along with an inflammation. There can also be presence of pus draining from the infected area. Any slight movement of the head or touching the area of infection can bring severe pain.
Physicians would explain the cause of swimmers ear as bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that is commonly found in soil and water. This bacteria is so tiny that it is not visible to the naked eye.
Otitis externa is an infection that can affect both children and adults and is usually contracted through polluted water. According to physicians however, even if a person has not been swimming in a dirty pool, just getting in contact with a contaminated object can have them infected.
The symptoms of otitis externa includes: fever, decreased hearing, drainage of pus, sensation of aural fullness, swollen lymph nodes, pain that radiates to the neck and face. Physicians would tell us that we can differentiate a simple ear infection to an otitis externa based on the amount of pain and discomfort that one gets. An ordinary ear infection has tolerable pain and you can press your ears without feeling an excruciating pain.
There are easy ways to avoid an otitis media, as advised by physicians:
· Do not forget to dry your ears after swimming. If water gets into your ear, make sure you do not have a punctured ear drum before you try using ear drops that are available at pharmacies. A hair dryer may also be used to dry water inside your ears.
· Make sure you are swimming in a clean pool. Be aware of the chlorine and ph levels as it is important in stopping the spread of germs.
· Never swim in ponds, rivers or lakes which are polluted.
· Do not put anything inside your ears which can harm it. This includes a clean cotton swab. Using cotton swabs can push the bacteria further down your ear canals and to your ear drums.
For those who suspect a swimmers ear, physician’s advice that they seek medical treatment immediately. Treatment is easy, with the use of antibiotic ear drops.
