Treatment of Swimmer’s Ear Medical professionals use the term external otitis for what we commonly call “swimmer’s ear.” This condition is simply an infection that occurs in the ear canal which is located in the outer ear. This infection is usually caused by bacteria that starts to grow in the ear canal when it becomes moist and does not dry out properly. Swimmer’s ear is typically caused by getting too much water in the ear by participating in activities like swimming, surfing, diving, kayaking or any variety of water sports. When water begins to collect in the ear canal and cannot escape, usually trapped in there by ear wax, then the skin becomes soggy and bacteria can grow. A medical professional will diagnose the condition and then select an appropriate treatment option.
Cleaning the Ear Canal Usually, the physician will start by cleaning the ear canal. One reason for this step in the treatment process is to allow swimmer’s ear drops to get into where it needs to reach. The medical professional will use a curette, or a suction device, to clean earwax, discharge, or other debris from the region. In some cases, there is no safe way to get the ear canal cleaned properly and the physician may place a “wick” in the ear which will absorb the ear drops and ensure it gets to the right spot. Once cleaning is addressed, the medical professional will move on to other treatment options. Medications used to Treat Swimmer’s Ear Once the doctor assesses the ear canal and diagnosis swimmer’s ear, then they will prescribe what they believe to be an effective combination of medications. The typical
case will require swimmers ear drops and usually an antibiotic. This will depend on the severity and type of infection in the ear. He may combine any of these medications to treat swimmer’s ear: •
Acidic solutions will help restore the normal environment which is antibacterial in nature.
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Steroids will help reduce any inflammation.
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Antibiotics will fight off bacteria.
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Antifungal medications will be used to fight off an infection that occurs due to a fungus.
Ensuring Ear Drops Work Something worth discussing with the doctor is how to apply the ear drops so that they are effective. Some of the steps that can be taken to make certain they reach the proper areas and do their job include: •
Be sure to hold the ear drop bottle in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up a little bit. It’s better to have it close to body temperature to avoid the discomfort of cooler drops.
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Lie on one side with the infected ear upwards. This helps the medicine get through the entire length of the ear canal.
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It’s best if you have someone to help you put the ear drops in.
Home Treatment Options Many people prefer the option of treatment at home or home remedies for swimmer’s ear. In many cases these can offer a preferred, nonmedicinal option for swimmer’s ear. Ear drops can be made from natural
items found in the home such as olive oil and garlic, or a mixture of alcohol and vinegar. These natural products contain anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial properties that help fight off infection. Many times these are effective treatment options. There are also a few over the counter pharmaceutical products that are effective at combating this type of infection especially if it’s in the early stages. However, there are some times when seeking the help of a medical professional is necessary. Treatment Options for Severe Cases of Swimmer’s Ear Sometimes a person ignores symptoms of swimmer’s ear until they become severe. There are some treatment options for situations where swimmer’s ear has worsened because of lack of treatment or did not respond to the prescribed treatment. In these cases a medical professional may prescribe antibiotic ear drops to be applied directly to the ear canal as well as an antibiotic to be taken orally. They may also prescribe oral steroids if there is extensive inflammation. There are many treatment options for treating swimmer’s ear. It’s important to choose the most effective treatment option for each specific situation. There are a variety of options available from simple, home remedies to high powered antibiotics. A health care professional can discuss which is best for your particular situation.