As soon as the weather permits, you are going to dive into the pool or the sea! But beware, these swimming can be the source of a frequent infection, which will cause throbbing pain.
Diving and swimming, a source of otitis of the bather
Very frequent for this season, external otitis, also called “otitis of the swimmer”, affects both children and adults.
“”The patient has light pain in the ear, called otalgia, as well as discomfort, a feeling of having something in the “interior” Dr. Amine Harichane detailed us, an ENT doctor, in a previous article. He specifies that it is not a general infection. “”Fever is an absent symptom. A flow of pus, caused by a cap of ceromen, is however possible “.
In question, prolonged swimming, a weakened auditory duct or a simple excess of humidity.
Why is swimmer’s otitis more frequent in summer?
Summer creates ideal conditions for bacterial proliferation in the ears. Between high temperatures and free time which promotes long swimming, the risks increase. Otitis also generates real inflammation of the skin of the external auditory duct. The water that remains trapped inside creates a warm and humid environment where bacteria develop quickly. Result: itching, increasing pain, even oozing.
“”In summer, two factors combine: ambient heat and prolonged exposure to water, especially in swimming pool or at sea. Persistent humidity in the ear canal promotes bacterial infections “ confirms Dr. Harichane.
To this are added current hygiene errors. The misuse of cotton swab, which pushes the ceromen at the bottom of the ear, can create a cap conducive to maceration. Swimming in dirty or stagnant waters also expose to resistant germs.
How to protect yourself and treat an external otitis?
Prevention comes above all through good atrial hygiene. “”It is possible to use a salt water spray morning and evening, on sale in pharmacies, then to remove excess using a cotton swab without entering the auditory duct “ recommends Dr. Harichane. Drying the ears immediately after each swim, leaning the head on the side to let the water flow, is also a reflex to adopt.
For sensitive people, wearing earplugs or a bath hat remains an effective option. Experts also recall that you should avoid confusing dirt and ceromen, the latter playing a natural protective role against infections.
Finally, in case of persistent pain, it is crucial to consult. “”The treatment depends on the origin of the infection: bacterial or mycosics. We then prescribed aticular drops based on antibiotics or antifungals, depending on the case“Indicates Dr. Harichane. A medical examination makes it possible to check the state of the eardrum, to withdraw a possible cap of ceromen or to rule out the presence of a foreign body.