Swimmers Ear Infection Symptoms

Otitis externa, commonly called swimmer’s ear, occurs when excessive water, dirt or debris enters and irritates the delicate skin lining the ear canal. This irritation can cause an infection in the ear canal caused by bacteria or fungus growth. Swimmer’s ear symptoms can range from itching to intense pain along the outer ear. A doctor diagnoses swimmer’s ear with a physical examination and medical history.

Symptoms

• The primary complaints for people with swimmer's ear include pain and redness along the ear canal and outer ear. Pain ranges from minor discomfort to intense pain when the earlobe or external part of the ear is touched or while chewing. Swimmer’s ear often affects only one ear at a time, with pain that begins gradually over a 24 to 48 hour period. Redness appears from the ear canal to the outer part of the ear.


• Itching and a sense of fullness in the ear canal also signals swimmer's ear. Clear, white, or yellowish drainage may occur in some cases. The fluid can appear bloody or foul smelling in extreme cases. Drainage may crust along the ear canal opening. Fever usually does not accompany swimmer’s ear; however, a low-grade fever may occur.


• Severe cases of swimmer’s ear have symptoms of swelling or drainage that compromises the ability to hear. Extreme swelling may cause the ear canal to swell shut. Spells of vertigo, dizziness or tinnitus can occur with severe infections.

Risk Factors

• Swimmer’s ear is not isolated to people who swim. An infection in the ear canal also develops in people with eczema of the ear canal, narrow or hairy ear canals and those with a history of recurring ear infections.


• Using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ear canal removes the protective wax within the ear canal and irritates the delicate skin within the ear. This increases the risk of bacteria and fungus growth.


• Wearing hearing aids, ear plugs and headphones irritates the ear canal and increases the risk of infection. Exposure to chemicals such as hair dyes, bleaches and medicated shampoos alter the protective properties in the ear canal and lead to swimmer’s ear.

Treatment

• Depending on the severity of the swimmer’s ear episode, home-treatment options may resolve the symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen relieve pain and reduce swelling. A heating pad or warm compress held to the ear for short periods provide some pain relief. Nonprescription ear drops do not cure the problem, but do prevent swimmer's ear occurrence if used before and after water exposure.


• Prescription ear drops cure the infection in the ear canal and should be used as directed. Diabetics and people with compromised immune systems should always seek medical attention for infections of outer ear.