Swimming represents a fun and convenient form of physical activity that offers numerous benefits to your health --- including an increased chance for weight loss and better cardiovascular function. Swimmer's ear is a painful infection that often diminishes the enjoyment of your water workouts. While many cases of swimmer's ear remedy without complications, the condition causes fever and temporary hearing loss when left untreated. Recognize how you can prevent and treat swimmer's ear in order to ensure your well-being.
Swimmer's Ear
Discomfort that develops after your daily swim can be the result of swimmer's ear. The condition occurs due to presence of excess bacteria in your ear. The buildup often forms when water that contains bacteria gets trapped in your ear during a swim, although humid weather and heavy sweating also cause bacterial growth. People with swimmer's ear typically suffer pain in the neck, face or side of the head that can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms include redness, itching and swelling.
Treatment
Treatment for swimmer's ear is designed to reduce the bacterial infection. Doctors often use a device to clean the outside of your ear canal, which ensures that ear drops are able to reach the infection and are not hindered by debris like earwax. Prescription ear drops to remedy swimmer's ear contain a steroid to minimize inflammation, as well as a bacteria-fighting antibiotic. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen to lessen your pain.
Home Care
Prescription ear drops are often cold, so warm the bottle in your hand prior to use and ask a friend to assist in introducing the drops to your ear. Lie on your side during application of the ear drops, which will allow the medicine to penetrate the largest portion of your ear canal. You'll speed the healing process by placing a cotton ball in your ear during bathing to block water. Avoid swimming, diving, earplugs and headphones until your ear is healthy. Most cases of swimmer's ear will remedy within 7 to 10 days.
Prevention
Lower your risk for swimmer's ear by drying your ears with a towel after your swim session. Water leaves your ears easier when you turn your head to each side and tug your earlobes in different directions. A hair dryer is effective at drying your ear; hold the device several inches from your head during use. Most drugstores also sell special earplugs designed to block water during swimming activity. Swimming in a regularly cleaned pool lowers your risk for swimmer's ear, as lakes tend to have higher bacteria levels.
Warning
Resist the urge to delay treatment for swimmer's ear once discomfort develops. People who ignore the condition often suffer temporary hearing loss and severe infection, as well as severe pain due to bone and cartilage damage. Rapid spread of an ear infection can sometimes affect your brain or nerves.
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