Rhinitis and swimmer's ear are two distinctive conditions that can affect people of any age. Rhinitis affects your nose and, in case it is caused by an allergy, other parts of your body as well. Swimmer's ear is similar to ear infection except it is usually contained into the outer ear. Call your doctor if you suspect you have either condition to get proper diagnosis and treatment.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, or inflammation of the lining of the nose, occurs when the blood vessels in your nose expand an fill the nasal lining with fluid, leading to congestion and swollen nasal membranes. The two main types of rhinitis include allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. Unlike allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis occurs without any obvious triggers; stress, certain foods, infections and environmental factors, such as dust and smoke, can cause the symptoms. While allergic rhinitis is caused by an immune reaction toward a specific airborne allergen such as pollen, dust, mold or animal hair.
Symptoms and Treatment
Nonallergic rhinitis include stuffy and runny nose and mucus in your throat, while those with allergic rhinitis can also suffer from watery eyes, itchy throat, persistent sneezing, difficulty smelling and a skin rash. Over time, or with increased exposure to allergens, symptoms may worsen to include coughing, irritated eyes, sore throat, headache, irritability and fatigue, according to the PubMed Health. The frequency and severity of symptoms can be controlled with antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants and by avoiding triggers whenever possible.
Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, is caused by an inflammation, irritation or infection in the outer ear. Swimmer's ear can occur in response to infections, swimming in polluted water, scratching the ear and getting something stuck in the ear. Infants can get swimmer's ear after water gets trapped into their ear after a bath or a shower.
Symptoms and Treatment
Swimmer's ear causes similar symptoms as an ear infection including red and swollen ear, yellow or pus-like drainage, foul smell, pain, itching and hearing loss. Swimmer's ear is treated with antibiotic ear drops, corticosteroids and pain medication. In case the infection has spread to the middle ear, your doctor may prescribe you oral antibiotics. In severe cases the infection may spread to the skull bone, which can require a high-dose of intravenous, or I.V. antibiotics.
