What Is "Swimmer's Ear" ?
"Swimmer's ear" is one of a number of names for infection of the outer ear canal.
It is also called "fungus" of the ear or "jungle ear" Sometimes it really is caused by a fungus, but more often, especially in painful cases, it is caused by one of nature's common bacteria.
How Do You Avoid It?
When water gets into your ear, it may bring with it bacteria or fungus particles.
Usually the water runs back out; the ear dries out, and the bacteria and funguses don't cause problems. But sometimes the water remains trapped in the ear canal, and the skin gets soggy. Then the bacteria and fungi grow, flourish, and can infect the ear.
First the ear feels blocked and may itch. Soon the ear canal becomes swollen, sometimes swells shut, starts draining a runny milky liquid, and becomes very painful. It is also very tender to touch, especially on the tragus (the triangular piece of cartilage in front of the ear canal).
When the infection gets to this stage, a doctor's treatment is needed. This is also true if glands in the neck become swollen.
CAUTION: If you already have an ear infection, or if you have ever had a perforated, punctured, ruptured, or otherwise injured eardrum, or if you have had ear surgery, you should consult an ear doctor at Dr. Deenadayals ENT Care Centre before you go swimming and before you use any type of ear drops.
If you do not know if you have or ever had a perforated, punctured, ruptured, or otherwise injured eardrum, you should consult your ear doctor.
Why Do Ears Itch ?
An itchy ear is a maddening symptom.
Sometimes it comes from a fungus [especially in acute cases], but more often it is a chronic dermatitis [skin inflammation] of the ear canal. One. type. is seborrheic Dermatitis, a condition similar to dandruff in the scalp; the wax is dry, flaky, and abundant.
Some patients with this problem will do well to decrease their intake of foods that aggravate it, such as greasy foods, carbohydrates (sugar and starches), and chocolate. Doctors often prescribe an oily or cortisone-containing eardrop to use at bedtime whenever the ears itch.
There is no long-term cure, but it can be kept under control. Itchy ears in a few patients are caused by allergies that require specific medical treatment. Patients with itchy, flaky ears or ears that accumulate wax are very likely to develop "swimmer's ear".
What About Insects And Foreign Objects?
Of the many types of insects that can get into the ears, ants, moths, and roaches are the most common. Bigger insects cannot turn around; neither can they crawl backward. They keep on struggling, and their motion can be painful and frightening.
Small insects are easily washed out with warm water from a rubber bulb syringe.
Beads, pencil lead, erasers, bits of plastic toys, and dried beans are common objects that children put into their ears.
Removal is a delicate task—one for the doctor to perform.
Don’t let ear infections or discomfort go untreated. Consult the best ENT specialist in Secunderabad today for expert diagnosis and care. Book your appointment now for fast and effective treatment.