EAR INFECTION, OUTER- (Swimmer's Ear; Otitis Externa) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Inflammation or infection of the ear canal that extends from the eardrum to the exterior of the ear. This is a particularly common problem in athletes when the ear canal remains moist due to perspiration running into the ear. It is also very likely to be a problem in swimmers, divers and water-polo players.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Ear pain that worsens when the earlobe is pulled.
Slight fever (sometimes).
Discharge of thick white matter or pus from the ear.
Temporary loss of hearing on the affected side.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Bacterial or fungal infection of the delicate skin lining of the ear canal.
Excess moisture from any cause.
Swimming in dirty, polluted water.
Frequent swimming in hot or warm chlorinated pools. Chlorinated water dries out the ear canal, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter the skin.
Irritation from swabs, metal objects, such as bobby pins, or ear plugs, especially if they are left in a long time.
Previous external-ear infections.
Skin allergies.
Diabetes mellitus or other disorders that predispose one to infection.
HOW TO PREVENT
Don't clean your ears with any object or chemical. A small amount of ear wax helps protect against infection.
Don't use ear plugs, alcohol in the ears, lamb's wool or anything else to keep ears dry. These are not only useless--they may trap moisture or cause irritation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this illness.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSUsually curable with treatment in 7 to 10 days.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Severe pain.
Chronic inflammation that is difficult to cure.
A boil in the ear canal caused by secondary bacterial infection.
Cellulitis (deep-tissue infection).
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Your doctor will probably cleanse the ear canal and insert a cotton wick. The wick allows medication to reach all infected parts.
Severe cases may require treatment by an ear, nose and throat specialist.
HOME TREATMENT
If your doctor has inserted a wick, moisten the wick with medication every hour for the first 24 hours. Continue to use drops according to your doctor's instructions after the wick is removed. Clean the tip of the dropper with alcohol after each use. Don't let other persons use the medicine.
After you have had otitis externa, keep the prescription ear drops on hand. If the ear canals get wet for any reason, such as swimming, showering or shampooing, put drops in both ears at bedtime.
MEDICATION
You may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, for minor pain.
Your doctor may prescribe:
Ear drops that contain antibiotics and cortisone drugs to control inflammation and fight infection.
Oral antibiotics for severe secondary bacterial infection.
Codeine or narcotics for a short time to relieve severe pain.
ACTIVITY
Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve. Avoid getting water in the ears for 3 weeks after all symptoms disappear. Any moisture--even from showering or washing hair -- can trigger a recurrence.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of otitis externa.
Pain persists despite treatment.
You feel your ears need cleaning.
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