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Many ear infections will clear up on their own. What should I do if I think I have an ear infection or swimmer’s ear? Treatment for ear infections
If you’re concerned about how much earwax you have, consult your doctor.
Don’t remove earwax from your ears - Earwax is your ear’s natural defense against infection and harmful material. These objects can cause micro abrasions in the ear canal, introducing bacteria. Keep clear of the ear canal – Avoid sticking fingers, cotton swabs or any other foreign object into the ear canal. A combination of excess moisture and bacteria can create a breeding ground for infection.Īdditionally, the following can further exacerbate or increase your risk of developing swimmer’s ear: Swimmer’s ear is caused when moisture gets trapped in the ear canal after swimming or even from showering. Child care - Children who are in group daycare settings are more prone to colds and ear infections. Seasonal elements - Rates of ear infections tend to increase during the winter months and when seasonal allergies peak. Bad air quality - Being exposed to air pollutants like tobacco smoke and smog. swimmer’s ear What causes an ear infection?Īn ear infection is most commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear that may result due to allergies or a cold.Īdditional factors that can increase the risk of developing an ear infection, include: Pain that is worse by pulling on the outer earĬommon causes for ear infections vs. With swimmer’s ear, an affected ear may appear red, swollen and have a rash-like appearance. While pain with an ear infection usually radiates from deep inside the ear, pain caused by swimmer’s ear occurs in the outer ear. In small children, signs of an ear infection may also include: Drainage of fluid from the ear if the eardrum has ruptured. Regardless of your age, the telltale symptom of an ear infection is pain in the inner ear, close to the eardrum. But you can also suffer ear infections as an adult-especially if you have allergies or a cold. swimmer’s ear symptoms What are the symptoms of an ear infection?Įar infections are very common, especially in children. Additionally, the related causes, symptoms and prevention techniques vary for each. That’s because they are both ear infections, they just affect different parts of the ear. What’s the difference between an ear infection and swimmer’s ear?Īn ear infection and swimmer’s ear can feel very similar-pain, itching, redness and discharge. We’re here to answer your questions and provide help. But, what’s the difference between an ear infection and swimmer’s ear? What causes each? What symptoms should you look out for? How can you alleviate symptoms? Don’t worry. Is it an ear infection or could it be swimmer’s ear?Īs we move into summer, many of us will be spending more time at the swimming pool or beach and that means we may experience swimmer’s ear. Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s going on. Your ear itches where you just can't scratch it, you can’t hear well, you feel stuffed up and it’s hard to sleep. Ear aches-they’re so annoying and painful.