The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that swimming is the third most popular sport in the Unites States. Swimming is enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, but even the most expert swimmer needs to be reminded of the importance of water safety, including how to handle illness from water, such as ear infections.
Causes
An ear infection, or acute otitis media, is caused when a bacterial infection affects the area in and around the middle ear. If you don't wear earplugs when swimming, you can get excess water and bacteria inside of your ear that can't escape easily, so it builds up and settles in the area behind the eardrum. If you swim frequently, you also can develop swimmer's ear, or acute otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear. It can be caused from having repeated water or moisture inside of the ear and by bacteria and fungal organisms, explains the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Symptoms
As the infection progresses, you might notice an array of symptoms, advises MayoClinic.com. Initially, you might notice an irritation or redness surrounding the outer ear, then you can experience pain and discomfort inside your ear. In some cases, you might feel like you have fluid or water trapped inside your ear. There also might be fluid discharge if the infection is severe. An earache that is difficult to remedy is another sign of an inner ear infection. As you continue to swim, you might notice that any amount of water irritates your ears more than usual. Other symptoms can include diminished amount of hearing, irritated or sore throat, loss of balance, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite and fever.
Treatment
Treatment likely will include a course of strong antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin, particularly if your ear infection is causing pain or discharge or if your physician notes a discharge that isn't clear. The antibiotic might be taken orally or as drops inserted into the ear. If you have swimmer's ear, your doctor might determine that the infection is caused by a virus or fungus, so an antibiotic might not help and he'll recommend a fungal cream instead. In severe cases, surgery might be recommended to implant ear tubes to promote proper drainage.
Prevention
If you suspect that you have an ear infection or a problem with your inner ear, it is best not swim or expose your ears to water. If you do swim, wear earplugs or avoid getting water inside your ears. Some stores carry an ear canal dryer that allows you to make sure your inner ear is dry after swimming, but don't insert anything into your ear: This can lead to ear infections or make your existing infection worse. Ear infections are common and can occur even after treatment. Seek medical care immediately to prevent long-term complications like hearing loss.
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