Swimmer's Ear, Otitis Externa or Outer Ear Infection They All Equate to Pain

I have been in agony for two days now with pain to my ear. No fever, chills or sore throat just a nagging pain to my left ear and at times it becomes excruciating. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen has helped but still this discomfort can become life altering at moments.

Well, finally day three and I break down and see my health care provider and as I had anticipated I was diagnosed with otitis externa. Didn't really know how I developed this because I wasn't swimming or doing anything that I recalled immediately. But then I did remember that about a week ago I did have a small scab around the inside of my ear and I kept rubbing it. And since I work in the health care industry I need to use a stethoscope throughout the day and this unfortunately aggravated it so today I have an outer ear infection.

Who knows if this was the cause and who cares I just know that I have pain and want relief. My health care provider has given me an antibiotic ear drop and I am feeling better already. Although antibiotics are not always necessary to treat this it may be needed at times.

Otitis externa or an outer ear infection is most commonly known as swimmer's ear. It can be extremely painful and uncomfortable and sometimes even unbearable as it was in my case. As the summer season approaches it is usually one of the more common types of infections that are seen and treated in a doctor's office. As a heath care provider I am commonly approached by family, friends and patients on how to take care of an outer ear infection.

An otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear caused by many different types of organisms. It may be caused by a bacteria, fungi or allergies. Otitis externa can occur from a variety of mechanisms. It can develop from an injury such as aggressive ear cleaning with cotton tipped swabs which is probably how I developed my initial scab or from infected water that is sitting in your ear canal. Frequent showering and/or swimming can increase the risk of developing an outer ear infection. It is more commonly seen during the summer months due to excessive swimming

However, it may develop any time of the year and it is seen in children more often, but honestly working in health care as a medical provider I have seen and treated numerous adults with otitis externa. Other causes may include products that may enter the ear canal which may irritate the skin as well, allowing for organisms to enter. Some people may be prone to developing otitis externa more frequently than others.

Symptoms of otitis externa may include one or many. Often the first symptom that will develop is itching which then will cause the cracking of the skin and will allow for organisms to enter. Redness and irritation can then develop which will usually be followed by extreme pain and swelling in and around the ear canal. If not treated a bad smelling discharge may come from the ear, but I have seen many cases where there is no discharge. If there is discharge it will usually turn into crusting around the ear canal and sometimes outside the ear itself. Sometimes this can affect your hearing especially if accompanied by any swelling in the ear canal.

Diagnosing otitis externa is usually done by a health care provider. Pain is the most common reason to seek medical attention as it was in my case. Making a diagnosis is done by gently pulling the ear which will then cause pain. Then the ears are examined with a viewing instrument called an otoscope which may or not be painful as well. A sample of the discharge may be taken and cultured if needed. But in most cases it can be diagnosed by looking into the ear and with symptoms described by the patient.

Treatment options for otitis externa are primarily up to the health care provider. Generally the ear is carefully and gently cleaned. Sometimes if there is swelling in the ear canal a small little wick is inserted soaked with an antibiotic and a topical anesthetic for pain. Antibiotic ear drops are then prescribed that will need to be put in the ear several times a day as I am currently doing. Sometimes an oral antibiotic may have to be prescribed if there is a severe infection. Most cases of otitis externa will clear up within 5 to 7 days and the pain will start to resolve sooner as the antibiotics take effect. Using the antibiotics as prescribed is important to get rid of the infection. Also keep water out of the ear until the infection is cleared up. And most importantly do not put anything into the ears such as cotton tipped swaps.

Preventing otitis externa is important from developing especially if you are prone to getting otitis externa. Wearing ear plugs in the shower or while swimming will help reduce any water from accumulating in the ear canal. Dry your ears well and carefully once exposed to water. Read any labels of products that may cause a reaction as to avoid any substance that may enter the ear canal causing an allergic reaction to the skin in or around the ear. Most importantly do not use cotton tip swabs in the ear canal to prevent any trauma from occurring. Cotton tip swabs are to be used only to clean the outer ears and never in the ear canal.

Have a safe and fun summer!

Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/swimmers-ear/DS00473