Articles
Understanding and Preventing Swimmer's Ear in Children
With summer coming soon, children get excited about swimming, splashing, and diving into the pool. However, swimmer's ear can put a damper on summertime fun if not properly understood and managed. In this article, we'll explore what swimmer's ear is, its causes, prevention strategies, and how Goldsboro Pediatrics can help.
Most parents are familiar with a middle or inner ear infection common in babies and toddlers that is caused by a blocked Eustachian tube. Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, typically caused by water becoming trapped in the ear canal. This moist environment creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria or fungi, leading to inflammation and infection. While it’s called “Swimmer’s Ear,” it isn’t necessarily caused by swimming. Any time the ear canal stays too moist, bacteria can develop. Symptoms may include a full or “plugged-up” ear sensation, pain that increases when the ear is touched or during chewing, and redness or swelling of the outer ear, sometimes with drainage of clear fluid. Ear infections are not contagious.
Causes of Swimmer's Ear:
Several factors can contribute to the development of swimmer's ear in children:
- Prolonged exposure to water: Spending long hours in the pool or engaging in water activities (even showering) without properly drying the ears afterward increases the risk of moisture accumulation.
- Contaminated water: Swimming in the ocean, lakes, ponds or inadequately chlorinated water exposes the ear canal to harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
- Trauma to the ear canal: Scratching the ear with sharp objects, using cotton swabs, or inserting foreign objects can damage the delicate skin lining the ear canal, making it more susceptible to infection.
- Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax can trap moisture and harbor bacteria, contributing to the development of swimmer's ear.
Treatment and Prevention:
Fortunately, swimmer's ear is treatable with proper care and attention. Here are some tips for managing and preventing this common condition:
- Warm compresses held on the ear for 15 minutes several times a day can help ease pain.
- Tylenol can help reduce the pain.
- Keep ears dry: Encourage your child to gently dry his ears with a towel after swimming or showering. Tilt the head to each side to help water drain out naturally.
- Avoid inserting objects into the ear: Remind children never to insert cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects into their ears, as this can cause damage and increase the risk of infection.
- Use earplugs or swim caps: Consider using silicone earplugs or swim caps to prevent water from entering the ear canal during water activities, especially for children prone to swimmer's ear.
- DON’T use over-the-counter ear drops, vinegar, rubbing alcohol or put anything into the ear before consulting with your child’s doctor to assure there is no damage to the ear drum. These are not recommended treatments if ear tubes are in place.
If your child develops symptoms of swimmer's ear, such as ear pain, drainage or a fever, Goldsboro Pediatrics offers expert care and guidance to diagnose and treat swimmer's ear. Antibiotic ear drops may be needed to fight the infection.
At Goldsboro Pediatrics, we understand the importance of keeping your child healthy and happy. Our team of experienced pediatricians provides comprehensive care for children of all ages, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of common childhood illnesses like swimmer's ear and more.
Sources:
Nationwide Children's
healthychildren.org
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Back to Archive