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Tags: health, wellness, hearing, swimmers ear
 There are basically several things to be wary about when swimming in the pool, or rivers, streams, ponds or lakes as water in such areas may be contaminated and not only do harm to the skin but the ears as well. The water could possibly be infected by a germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa and can come into contact in an individual’s ear causing a condition called swimmers ear.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a microscopic bacteria and can infect children and adults, although it is generally more common in children and young adults. Although swimmers ear is generally contracted while swimming in contaminated water, it can be acquired through contact with a contaminated object as well. Swimmers ear, also known as otitis externa is a form of infection in the ear or the outer ear canal or both.
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Other than its common manifestation of an ear ache, swimmers ear can also cause the ears to itch, become red or inflamed. With a swimmers ear, a mere movement of the head or touching the infected area can cause pain and there is a possibility that the sufferer of swimmers ear will experience a drainage of pus from the area of infection.
The indications of swimmers ear can potentially cause distress as one experiences fever, a decreased hearing, pain that radiates to the neck, face or side of the head, drainage of pus, swollen lymph nodes and a sensation that the ear is blocked or full. In swimmers ear, an individual’s ear may also appear to be pushed forward or away from the skull.
These symptoms of swimmers ear generally manifest a few days after contact with the bacteria. Swimmers ear or otitis externa is to be distinguished from otitis interna, or common childhood middle ear infection in that if there is no experience of pain or discomfort when the outer ear is pressed or wiggled, then it must be otitis interna.
Preventive measures can be taken to for the contraction of swimmers ear. Foremost, one should take care to dry their ears after swimming. If one finds it difficult to get the water out of their ears, then they may apply several drops of water based ear drops. Prior to applying this measure, however, one must be wary if they have perforated eardrums as this can do harm.
Drying the inside of the ears can also be done with the use of a hair dryer to prevent being infected. One must also check for the chlorine and pH testing of the pool as proper chlorine and pH control is vital to prevent the spread of the bacteria that causes swimmers ear.
It may also be best not to swim in polluted rivers, streams, ponds or lake. Putting objects into the ear, such as dirty fingers or even cotton swabs can make an individual susceptible to swimmers ear. As much as a dirty finger is already dangerous, even a clean cotton swab can bruise or scratch the ear canal encouraging an infection site.
When one has contracted swimmers ear, it is best to seek medical attention right away so that antibiotic eardrops or mild acid solutions can be applied for treatment.
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About the author
The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose recently published a step-by-step guide on how to lose weight the EASY way and become totally healthy and happy. More info on her life-changing eating habits plan HERE.
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