For most children, summer means the sea, swimming and underwater games. The sea has many health benefits for young and old, however many children suffer from summer otitis - or swimmer's ear - accompanied by acute pain and fever, which can be overcome with appropriate medication. Unfortunately for our little friends, depending on the seriousness of the situation, they may have to stop swimming in the sea for a period of time. To make sure summer stays fun for everyone, learn about swimmer's ear, a common summertime ailment.
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the external auditory canal, the tube that runs from the outer ear to the middle ear. It occurs when there is a lot of moisture in the ear, which turns the ear into a breeding ground for bacteria. Swimmer's ear can occur at any time of the year, however, we see it most often in the summer since children are in and out of oceans and pools so much. But it can also appear after showering or bathing. Here are the most common questions I hear about swimmer's ear, along with some easy tips for preventing it.
What are the symptoms?
With this infection, the ear canal is swollen, which can cause quite a bit of pain. Your child may start to complain that their ear hurts, or they may not be able to hear as well as usual out of one ear. Other symptoms include discharge from the ear or itching in the ear canal.
When should I visit the pediatrician?
A telltale sign of swimmer's ear is pain when you pull the ear up or push inward. If your child experiences this or any of the above symptoms – discharge from the ear, itching in the ear canal or decreased hearing – call your pediatrician and get it checked out.
What are the treatments?
Swimmer's ear is a bacterial infection that requires an antibiotic to treat. Often the drops that are prescribed contain a combination of drugs: antibiotics to fight infection and a steroid to reduce swelling. It is important to note that children should stay out of the water or do not put their head under water until treatment is complete and all symptoms have subsided.
Is there anything I can do to prevent swimmer's ear?
Yes, here are some simple steps to prevent swimmer's ear:
- Always encourage children to dry their ears with a towel after swimming or bathing to remove moisture.
- Have your child tilt their head to either side to drain water from the ears. You can even pull or rotate the ear a bit to encourage drainage.
- Put a hair dryer on the lowest setting and briefly dry the inside of the ear canal.
- Do not try to clean the wax from the ears all the time. Earwax is a defense mechanism of the ear canal and can protect against swimmer's ear.
- Some children find it helpful to use earplugs and/or swim caps to help prevent swimmer's ear.
This summer, have fun safely in seas and pools by following the tips and keeping swimmer's ear away!
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