Swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections share some similar symptoms. However, the causes and treatments for each may vary significantly. In this blog, you will learn how your ear, nose, and throat specialist can determine which one you or your child has and how each condition may be treated.
Swimmer’s Ear Symptoms
Swimmer’s ear–also known as otitis externa–is an infection of the ear canal. The ear canal runs between the eardrum and the visible ear structure on the side of the head.
This infection usually develops because of water trapped in the ear canal after swimming, showering, or bathing. This moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear may include:
- Pain and tenderness in the outer ear
- Swelling
- Redness
- Discharge of fluid from the affected ear
- Fever
Treatment of Swimmer’s Ear
A primary care physician, pediatrician, or otolaryngologist can diagnose a swimmer’s ear with a physical examination using a lighted otoscope. Plus, the doctor will review the symptoms and medical history to complete the diagnostic work-up.
Prescription antibiotic ear drops usually resolve the swimmer’s ear relatively quickly. However, more severe cases may require oral antibiotics and pain-relieving medications.
To avoid swimmer’s ear, wear ear plugs while swimming or bathing and thoroughly dry the ears after water exposure. Always avoid inserting foreign objects into the ear canal (hair pins or cotton swabs as examples).
If you or your child experience any symptoms of swimmer’s ear, seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to complications such as chronic ear infections or damage to the ear itself.
Symptoms of Middle Ear Infection
A middle ear infection, otitis media develops in the space behind the eardrum, typically after a bout of the flu or a cold. Bacteria or viruses are the culprits, and they spread via the eustachian tube to the ear. This action builds up fluid and painful pressure behind the eardrum.
Also, in the case of pediatric ear infections, a child’s young anatomy sets the stage for otitis media. The eustachian tube, which connects the throat to the middle ear, is more horizontal in children than it is in adults. As such, germs spread more easily between the throat and ear in young patients and otitis media results.
A child’s adenoids may contribute to middle ear infections as well. These twin pieces of lymph tissue located behind the nose can retain bacteria and viruses from colds and flu. As they become inflamed and enlarged, adenoids set the stage for otitis media.
Symptoms of otitis media are:
- Pain
- Fever
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal and eardrum
- Trouble hearing properly
- Retention of fluid behind the eardrum
- Irritability and sleep disruption in very young patients
Treatment of Middle Ear Infections
Many cases of otitis media resolve by themselves with simple comfort measures such as:
- A warm compress to the affected ear
- Pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Rest
- Plenty of fluids
However, an otolaryngologist should check symptoms that are severe and/or persist for several days. After an examination with an otoscope, the ENT doctor likely will prescribe a course of oral antibiotics to resolve the infection.
Repeated middle ear infections, with their fluid retention and impact on hearing, may require treatment with a simple procedure called a myringotomy. This surgery involves placing tiny drainage tubes in the eardrums to keep the ears fluid-free. These tubes fall out spontaneously after six months to a year, and most children respond well to this intervention.
Finally, some patients who get repeated middle ear infections benefit from an in-office procedure called a balloon dilation of the eustachian tube. The ENT doctor inserts a thin tube up one nostril and into the affected eustachian tube. An attached balloon is gently inflated and compresses the swollen tissues in the tube. This compression relieves pressure due to swelling and fluid and reduces the chances of infection.
Ear Infection Treatment in Georgetown, TX
At Georgetown ENT, Dr. Scott William Franklin helps both pediatric and adult patients overcome ear and hearing-related issues, such as swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections. To learn more about keeping your family’s ears and hearing as healthy as possible, or if you have symptoms, please call us for a friendly consultation at (512) 869-0604. You also may request your in-person visit here.
We are pleased to serve the Georgetown, TX, area with a long menu of ear, nose, and throat services. We hope to speak with you soon.
