Summertime is here, and one of the many exciting activities of the season is swimming. Swimming is a great way to stay cool in the summer heat, and is fun for adults and kids alike. But it isn’t fun when your ears get irritated by bacteria in the water while swimming, causing an earache.
Whether swimming in a pool, splashing at a splash pad, or floating on beach waves, swimmer's ear can happen to anyone. This irritating earache usually causes the ear to feel itchy, painful, and full of pressure. The good news is relief can be found with help from a McAllen ENT. Keep reading to learn more about swimmer’s ear and where you can go to find earache relief.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear’s outer layer that is mostly caused by bacteria. Swimming in dirty water is the most common cause, but an infection can also be caused by attempting to remove an obstacle, scratching the inside or outside of the ear, or cleaning the ear with a swab. Even the high Texas humidity can create extra moisture in the ear, breeding harmful bacteria.
Everyone’s body may react a little bit differently when fighting off an infection such as swimmer’s ear. Some people may experience several symptoms, but others may only have one or two. Common symptoms of swimmer’s ear are as follows:
Because swimmer’s ear can spread and cause more problematic infections, it’s important to see an ENT when symptoms of swimmer’s ear begin. Treatment may last 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity and depth of the ear infection. Swimmer’s ear can be treated in a few different ways.
Two types of ear drops may be used to fight the infection. Antibiotic ear drops are commonly used to kill harmful bacteria. You may also be prescribed corticosteroid ear drops to help reduce swelling and itching while the antibiotic works to kill the infection.
Infections that have spread further inside the ear may need a different approach. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed in place of antibiotic ear drops. You may also be given corticosteroid ear drops with the oral antibiotics for optimal earache relief and recovery.
While waiting for the antibiotics to kick in, your doctor might recommend you take an over-the-counter pain reducer. You can also apply a heating pad on the outside of the infected ear to reduce pain. Be sure to discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have about pain-reducing methods.
Swimmer’s ear is a pesky type of infection, but it doesn't have to ruin your whole summer! If you are experiencing an earache in McAllen, don’t spend your summer days suffering.
With the right ENT for you and your loved ones, you can find the help you need to fight that infection. Let the compassionate team at Glatz Group to care for your earache needs today!
Ear pain and earaches are most common in young children. Children between the ages of three months to three years are especially vulnerable. However, ear pain can occur in adults, as well. An earache may range from constant pain or pain that comes and goes, but any kind of ear pain can cause serious disruptions to your day.
A common earache may be dull, sharp, or even feel like a burning sensation. If left untreated, earaches can become more painful and result in issues such as having pressure in the head and ears or sinus problems. That’s why it’s important to know the common causes of ear pain and when to contact a doctor.
The first common cause of having earaches is an infection. However, there are different types of infections. These infections have varied symptoms that may range from simple ear pain to loss of hearing, dizziness, and more. These infections also correspond to different parts of the ear and include:
Commonly referred to as swimmer’s ear, this infection is the result of getting water in the ear from swimming or bathing, but can also occur from wearing hearing aids or headphones. Since water weakens the skin of your ear canal, it becomes the perfect scenario for bacteria to grow and prosper.
Usually, the result of infections from a respiratory tract infection, a middle ear infection causes fluid to build up behind the eardrums. This, in turn, can lead to harmful bacteria developing.
Sometimes identified as labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection is generally caused by a respiratory illness resulting in bacterial or viral infections.
Unlike other ear pain causes, infections can be long-lasting and may require a patient to seek specific treatments to relieve their ear pain.
Ears can be very sensitive and if you’re suddenly experiencing earaches, there may be a simple cause. Here are some common reasons for an earache:
All these are common reasons why you might be experiencing ear pains and they are often temporary. If the condition worsens, however, consulting your doctor is very crucial.
The most common causes of ear pains are the result of infections or temporary issues such as a buildup of pressure or allergies. However, sometimes an earache can be the result of less common reasons, which may include:
Earaches may be temporary and can vanish without any treatment. However, if your ear pain persists or worsens, then seeing an ENT doctor is recommended.
Our doctors at Glatz Group! are experienced in treating ear pains and infections. Whether you require sinus drainage, balloon sinuplasty, or something else, we’re here to help.