What is Earache - Swimmers Ear - Ear Infection: Otitis externa (also called swimmer's ear or ear ache) is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal.

What causes Earache - Swimmers Ear - Ear Infection: Earache and ear infections are common, especially among teenagers and young adults. Swimming in polluted water is one way to contract swimmer's ear, but it is also possible to contract swimmer's ear by swimming in a pool that is well maintained. Swimming is not the only cause, however the condition can be caused by scratching the ear or an object stuck in it. Trying to clean wax from the ear canal, especially with cotton swabs or small objects, can irritate or damage the skin. One time when I was married, my wife accidently sprayed water in one of her ears with the shower nozzel, in a day or two later she had a very bad ear infection. Middle ear infections can occur after the ear drum is perforated by a fungal growth from the outer ear. Moisture in the ear can rapidly lead to a bad ear infection from fungus or bacteria, resulting in severe pain.

Earache - Swimmers Ear - Ear Infection - Symptoms: Ear pain that can be very severe at times, and may hurt much more when pulling the outer ear. Itching of the ear and ear canal. The ear may drain, and the drainage may be yellowish colored, often it's pus-like, and stinky. You may experience decreased hearing or complete ear loss while the infection is present.

Earache - Swimmers Ear - Ear Infection Treatment: The ear canal should be cleaned of drainage to allow topical medications to work effectively. Depending on how severe the infection is, it may be necessary for a doctor to aspirate the ear as many times as twice a week for the first two or three weeks of treatment. Effective medications include eardrops containing antibiotics to fight infection, and corticosteroids to reduce itching and inflammation. Use of antibiotics to treat ear infections may result in treatment of the wrong cause of the infection because not all ear infections are bacterial; some are fungal, and it is possible to have both a bacterial and fungal ear infection. Ear drops should be used abundantly (four or five drops at a time) in order to penetrate the end of the ear canal. If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick may be placed in the ear to allow the drops to travel to the end of the canal. Occasionally, pills may be used in addition to the topical medications. Analgesics may be used if pain is severe.

Earache - Swimmers Ear - Ear Infection - Prevention: Do not scratch the ears or insert cotton swabs or other objects in the ears. Keep ears clean and dry, and wear earplugs when swimming or showering, so you do not let water enter the ears. If the ear canal does get wet, try to dry it thoroughly after exposure to moisture, and avoid swimming in dirty water.

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