Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is a relatively common ear issue. If caught early, proper treatment can help prevent complications and more serious ear infections. If you believe you have swimmer’s ear, contact an ENT doctor at Light ENT in Boynton Beach.
Swimmer’s Ear Symptoms
The symptoms of swimmer’s ear are relatively mild at first, but if left untreated, it can worsen or spread. Swimmer’s ear is classified by ENT doctors as mild, moderate, or advanced, depending on the progression of the infection.
Mild Swimmer’s Ear
Mild swimmer’s ear symptoms include an itchy ear canal, slight redness inside the ear, and some drainage of clear fluid. With mild swimmer’s ear, you may feel mild discomfort that’s made worse by pulling on your outer ear or pushing on your tragus.
Moderate Swimmer’s Ear
When the infection progresses to moderate, the symptoms include more intense itchiness, increasing pain, and increasing redness. Excessive fluid drains from the ear and you may feel a fullness inside of your ear which is caused by swelling, fluid, and debris.
Advanced Swimmer’s Ear
With advanced swimmer’s ear, the pain will be severe and may radiate to your face, neck, or side of the head. The ear canal will be completely blocked, there is a fever, and redness or swelling of the outer ear.
Contact your doctor even if you have mild symptoms of swimmer’s ear, and if you’re having severe pain or a fever, call your ENT doctor immediately or visit an emergency room.
Causes of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is a type of ear infection that is usually caused by bacteria, not a fungus or virus. It’s called swimmer’s ear because many swimmer’s get it from water that has entered the ear containing bacteria that then causes an infection.
Your ears have powerful natural defenses, but sometimes they can be overwhelmed or weakened by bacterial growth. Excessive moisture in your ear, caused by swimming, heavy sweating, or humid weather can weaken your ear’s defense. As can scratches or abrasions from cotton swabs, scratching in your ear with a finger or hairpin, or even wearing earbuds.
Swimmer’s Ear Treatment Options
For most cases of swimmer’s ear, your doctor will prescribe an eardrop that will help restore your ear’s normal antibacterial environment. These eardrops will have a combination of ingredients depending on the type and severity of your infection. While you can attempt to treat swimmer’s ear at home, it’s recommended that you see a health care provider.
Light ENT – Boynton Beach ENT Doctor
At Light ENT, we understand that when it comes to choosing an ENT doctor, you need someone who is experienced, understanding, and supportive. We work together as a team to ensure that we are responsive to your needs and provide you with high-quality ear, nose, and throat treatments. Our ENT services include:
- Allergy treatment
- Sinusitis treatment
- Balloon sinus dilation
- Deviated septum treatment
- Hearing loss treatment, including hearing aids
- Sleep health
- And more
Dr. Light is a double board-certified physician in Otolaryngology and received his training at NYU Medical Center. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.