Signs & Symptoms of Swimmers Ear

Swimmers ear is an outer ear canal infection that commonly affects children who frequently spend time in the water. Excess water or moisture in the ear canal contributes to the growth of infection causing germs. Swimmers ear can be painful and kids with the condition often feel like their ears are plugged up. The experienced and caring pediatric providers at Angel Pediatrics in Anthem, AZ, diagnose and treat swimmers ear in children. 

Signs & Symptoms of Swimmers Ear 

Swimmers ear or otitis externa is a condition that affects the outer ear canal, which is the tube that extends from the ear opening all the way to the eardrum. Too much moisture or water in the ear canal creates a prime place for germs to thrive and cause the infection known swimmers ear. The condition can be caused by swimming in unclean water or being in a warm and humid environment. Other possible causes include sustaining an injury to the ear canal, having dry skin in the ear canal, or using cotton swabs or other objects to clean or scratch the ear canal.

Common signs and symptoms of swimmers ear include: 

  • Outer ear redness 
  • Ear tenderness
  • Ears feel full or plugged up
  • Ear feels excessively warm 
  • Ear pain or discomfort
  • Itching in the ear canal 
  • Pus draining from the ear 
  • Swollen glands in the neck 
  • Muffled hearing 
  • Fever 

Take your child to see a doctor for swimmers ear if they develop any of the symptoms associated with it. Other health issues can share similar signs so it is important to have a pediatrician diagnose the exact problem. The doctor will check your child’s ears using a lighted otoscope. If necessary, a cotton swab might be used to collect a small sample from the ear canal that can be tested to determine the cause of the infection. 

Treatments for Swimmers Ear 

The skilled providers at our pediatric office in Anthem, AZ, treat swimmers ear. Treatment might differ from one child to the next, but can include antibiotic ear drops to kill harmful bacteria, Corticosteroid ear drops might also be prescribed to reduce swelling. Additionally, over-the-counter or prescription pain medication can help provide relief from pain and discomfort. It can take between 7-10 days for the ear infection to completely clear up and for symptoms to be fully resolved. 

Children should see a doctor for swimmers ear if they are experiencing ear pain and discomfort or any other symptoms, such as itching in the ear canal or a feeling of being plugged up. For the treatment of swimmers ear in kids, call Angel Pediatrics in Anthem, AZ, at (623) 551-0442.



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