How Does Swimmer's Ear Develop?
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Swimmer's Ear is an Infection
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Swimmer's ear, otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal caused by bacteria or fungus. Staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common types of bacteria that infect the ear canal. Most swimmer's ear infections are bacterial infections. Less than 10 percent of the cases of swimmer's ear are caused by fungal infections.
A healthy ear canal protects the ear from infection and invasion of foreign debris. The shape of the ear canal and the production of wax and hair trap debris and prevent it from entering the inner ear. The acidic nature of ear wax discourages harmful bacterial growth.
Ear Lining Weakness Influences Swimmer's Ear
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The skin lining the outer ear and ear canal provides a protective acidic barrier against fungal and bacterial growth. The lining also protects the ear canal and outer ear from excessive moisture. Yet when lining of the ear breaks or weakens, bacteria and fungus can infect the ear and cause infection. Common activities that can break the ear lining include swimming, showering or inserting objects into the ear such as ear plugs. The ear lining can break or weaken when large quantities of water enter the ear during swimming or showering. The water also interferes with the ear's acid balance, leaving the ear vulnerable to infection. Inserting an ear device such as an ear plug, headphones or a hearing aid can break the ear lining. Cleaning ears with cotton swabs also may break the ear lining. Any hair or cosmetic product such as hair dye or facial hair bleach can irritate the outer ear and ear canal and lead to infection. Any pre-existing ear inflammation from allergies or other infections can turn into swimmer's ear.
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Fungal Infection are Less Painful
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A fungal infection, otomycosis, is rare cause of swimmer's ear. A doctor can identify a fungal swimmer's ear infection during examination when he spots white fungal growth in the ear canal. However, sometimes a fungal infection is only diagnosed after a person does not respond to treatment for a bacterial infection. A person with a fungal swimmer's ear infection will experience more itching than pain.
Ear Pain is an Early Symptom
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Ear pain in one ear is the first symptom of swimmer's ear. The pain develops gradually over a two-day period. It is painful to push or tug on the ear. The ear canal also may itch. By the second day, the outer ear may look red, swollen and inflamed. As the infection progresses, the ear may leak a foul-smelling drainage. The drainage begins clear but becomes yellow or bloody over time. Swelling and drainage may temporarily interfere with a person's ability to hear. Some people also experience ringing in the ear and dizziness.
Some Cases of Swimmer's Ear Require Emergency Medical Care
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While swimmer's ear requires medical treatment from a doctor, it is not usually an emergency medical situation. However, a person with diabetes and other health conditions that alter the immune system should seek immediate medical attention when swimmer's ear is suspected. If a person experiences double vision, dizziness or facial weakness, he should see a doctor immediately. Emergency medical attention also may be necessary if a person experiences extreme ear pain that cannot be controlled by over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Swimmer's Ear Can Improve Quickly with Treatment
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Doctors generally prescribe an antibiotic or antibiotic-steroid ear drop to treat a swimmer's ear bacterial infection. Sometimes an oral antibiotic is used if the ear canal is extremely swollen, making it difficult to apply ear drops. A person with diabetes or a weak immune system also may receive an oral antibiotic. White vinegar drops may used instead of a prescription antibiotic for a mild case of swimmer's ear. Doctors treat a fungal swimmer's ear infection with anti-fungal medications. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are often used to soothe pain. With the proper treatment, swimmer's ear symptoms can improve within three days and the infection may clear up in seven days.
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