Swimmer’s ear: how to protect your ears

Summer brings us days of sunshine, beach fun and refreshing swims in the pool, beach or lake. However, we must take into account a ghost that may be lurking, especially if you have spent hours and hours in the water. Otitis, an inflammation of the ear, is a common concern this season, especially for those who enjoy water activities. More specifically, it is when inflammation of the ear canal occurs, causing discomfort, pain and even temporary hearing loss.

“Otitis externa is a very common consultation in children during the summer season,” explains Dr. Paulina Cristino, pediatrician in pediatric intensive care at Clínica Santa María. “It is easy to recognize, given that the minor will present with intense ear pain and discharge from the ear canal,” he comments.

Dr. Ramón Readi, an otolaryngologist at Clínica Dávila, explains that summer ear infections that occur when bathing are common, “especially in contaminated water or in swimming pools if you stay there for a long time, and it This is what we call otitis of the ear. “… the swimmer”, she specifies, while the pediatrician adds that “exposure to water and humidity creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth”.

When it comes to symptoms, what you may experience when you have an ear infection are:

• Foreign body sensation
• Burning or itching
• Earache
• Fever
• vertigo
• Hearing loss
• Otorrhea
• In young children, this manifests itself as irritability

From the University of Navarra website, the germs most frequently detected in ear infections are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophylus influenzae and less frequently Bramanella catarrhalis, Group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. You should consult a doctor if any of the symptoms mentioned above appear.

–Contaminated water: “You have to be very careful because there can be and increase the risk of ear infections when you enter these waters,” explains Readi, because natural waters such as lakes, rivers, even hot springs, being waters, are not even processed. or chlorinated, they can transmit bacteria or germs to the ear through humidity and also cause ear infections.

–Excess humidity: Staying with wet ears for a long time, especially after swimming, can make it easier for infections to develop. With humidity, a favorable environment is cultivated for bacteria and germs to thrive.

–Improper use of cards: Although earplugs are a good means of prevention, they can also be an incidental factor in the development of ear infections when they are used and are wet or not cleaned. It increases the risk of otitis by directly exposing the ear canal to external agents.

The person who must diagnose otitis must always be medical personnel, via an otoscopic examination. Sometimes a pneumatic otoscopy is performed, it can be essential to clarify and determine the mobility of the tympanic membrane. The usual treatment for ear infections is antibiotics for 10 or 14 days, in addition to painkillers. Within the first 48 hours, you should experience pain relief.

-Drying: After swimming, be sure to dry your ears thoroughly using a soft towel or by tilting your head to allow the water to drain naturally. The idea is to eliminate any moisture that could be a possible factor. A good idea: dry and clean the ear with a clean, dry paper towel. Never wet to avoid proliferating bacteria and germs.

-Use earplugs: especially if the water you bathe in is not treated. By integrating this barrier, you prevent water contaminated with bacteria and germs from reaching the ear canal. Once you have finished using the caps, you should clean them and let them dry well to avoid the opposite effect.

-Avoid prolonged exposure to water: As boring as it may seem, it is important to limit the time spent immersed. This way you prevent your ear from being constantly exposed to water for long periods of time. Keep your head outside or cool your head every once in a while.