Swimmer’s ear or external otitis, is a skin infection of the ear canal. It is often referred to as “swimmer’s ear”, although most cases occur in the absence of swimming. Acute external otitis is usually quite painful, with pain extending to the upper neck and jaw. Chronic infectious otitis externa is most often caused by a bacterium, although occasionally it can be related to fungus, and is commonly less painful than acute otitis but often produces a blocked feeling in the ear. A third form of external otitis is the chronic itchy ear. Patients with this condition often have years of frequent scratching or manipulating their ear canals. This is most often related to eczema, a skin reaction akin to allergies.
Acute otitis externa is most frequently a bacterial infection, arising suddenly and increasing rapidly in severity, becomes very painful. The pain is often described as deep or boring, and can interfere with daily activities or sleep. Patients often note temporary hearing loss due to a combination of wax, swelling and pus, blocking sound almost completely. When left untreated, this condition can spread elsewhere to the soft tissues of the face, upper neck, and the jaw joint, creating pain when a patient is chewing.
Most people at one point in their life will experience an external otitis. Most cases of external otitis are uncomplicated and easily managed by most primary care providers.
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It is interesting that the majority of cases of external otitis are related to a bacterium that naturally inhabits the ear canal. The inciting factor is often a break in the skin related a minor trauma to the ear canal. The most common trauma occurs when a patient attempts to clean the ear with tools such as cotton swabs, finger nails or other small implements.
Chronic otitis externa is a form of the condition that lasts for a month or more or occurs more than four times in a year. This is most common when a patient suffers from eczema or chronic irritation from the use of hearing aids or regular insertion of cotton swabs. This is also a possible result of regular contact with water that builds up in the ear, causing pressure and increases the likelihood for growth of bacteria.
Swimmer’s ear can be caused by a number of factors, not all of which are water or moisture related, and most regularly are not limited to swimmer’s, despite the name. The following are possible causes for otitis externa:
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When a doctor is examining a patient with ear complaints suspected to be related to external otitis, they will be looking for a red and swollen ear canal. The ear canal may also appear to be shedding skin, similar to eczema symptoms. There is commonly debris in the ear canal, which can be a combination of dead skin, dehydrated pus, and wet wax.
Due to swelling and narrowing of the opening to the ear canal, it can sometimes be challenging for doctors to inspect with an otoscope, and may prompt the doctor to make a presumptive diagnosis and call for a follow up examination after a period of treatment.
If there is a recurrent or particular severe external otitis, some of the discharge can be collected and sent for a culture to help determine the type of organism that is causing the infection.
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Excessive moisture and trauma are the two most common precipitants of otitis externa, and avoidance of these precipitants is the cornerstone of prevention. In order to prevent a case of otitis externa, you should:
Chronic otitis externa is a form of the condition that lasts for a month or more, or occurs more than four times in a year. This is most common when a patient suffers from eczema, chronic irritation from the use of hearing aids, or regular insertion of cotton swabs. This is also a possible result of regular contact with water. Over the past several decades, there has been a proliferation of bacteria who carry resistance to certain antibiotics, which has made treatment of external otitis more difficult. Occasionally a more chronic otitis externa can result from overgrowth of a fungus, which can be a side effect of treating a bacterial infection with anti-bacterial drops, or oral antibiotics. Patients with diabetes are more prone to getting chronic external otitis due to fungus. When a fungal infection is suspected, treatment with topical antifungal medications or oral antifungal pills is indicated. Removal of fungal debris from the ear canal is also important in the treatment of fungal external otitis.
For a full diagnosis and advice on the best course of treatment, especially for severe and painful earaches with several symptoms present, please contact your primary care doctor to make an appointment. If your symptoms are persistent despite treatment, visiting once again with your primary care doctor will allow them to re-treat, or to refer you to a specialist for further care.
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Dr. Rohn, Dr. Gamble and Dr. Kubala are ear, nose, throat, and sinus surgeons with offices located in Plano and Dallas. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our office, please call our Plano office at 972-378-0633 or Dallas office at 214-239-1641.Swollen ear canal can be very painful if you leave it untreated or fail to get effective treatment for your symptoms. Pain, itchiness, and discharge from the ear are warning signs that you should not ignore. Visit expert otolaryngology doctors at the Century Medical and Dental Center to have your ear, nose, and throat carefully examined to figure out the main cause behind the ear infection. Proper diagnosis and timely treatment can help to prevent complications, loss of hearing and infection spreading to other areas of the head.
An ear infection is mostly caused by a viral or bacterial infection in the middle ear. The middle ear is the air-filled area behind the eardrum, which contains the very small vibrating bones of the ear. Ear infections also result from a buildup of fluids and inflammation in the middle ear. Children suffer from ear infections and inflammation more than adults.
The accumulation of fluid inside the ear canal can damage the ear canal’s protective layer. This condition is known as the swollen ear canal and is associated with redness and inflammation inside the ear. The protective layer is made up of fat or wax, which prevents the ear from harm.
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The inflammation inside the canal makes the ear feel warmer on the side and narrows the canal. It is also known as the swimmer’s ear, as many swimmers go through this condition after spending a lot of time in the water.
Using chemicals increase the risk of a swollen ear canal. Certain chemicals can lead to ear canal infection. Chemicals can get into the ear through common substances that include:
Underlying skin conditions are often a risk factor for the swollen ear canal. They increase your chances of developing ear infections. They include:
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Seborrheic dermatitis can also result in ear infections. It is a condition in which the skin becomes irritated due to a coat of mucous. A greasy substance secretes inside the ear in case of a swollen ear canal, and the mucous covering leads to seborrheic dermatitis, resulting in infection.
These conditions increase the risk of ear infections. An allergic reaction can also cause swollen ear canals in hypersensitive people. Excessive sweat, shampoo, certain medications, and soapy water can also lead to an allergic reaction that can aggravate the situation.
Certain health conditions like AIDS or cancer can weaken your immune system and leave you vulnerable to ear infections. Also, if you are undergoing chemotherapy, you are at a higher risk of developing ear infections.
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Fungal infections are a leading cause of swollen ear canals. Millions of people suffer from ear infections due to this reason only. Candida albicans and different types of Aspergillus are the common fungi that lead to fungal infection.
Some people have narrow ear canals naturals. In such cases, moisture drainage becomes more difficult. When water remains trapped in the canal for some time, it can result in bacterial growth and infection that becomes painful.
Whether your swollen ear canal is resulting from some skin condition or a dive in the pool, the symptoms remain the same. They include:
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If you are experiencing signs of an ear infection, call your doctor to prevent it from turning more painful. Severe pain, ringing in the ears, or feelings of dizziness indicates a more severe problem that must be evaluated at the clinic. Ear infections or swollen canals should not be left untreated as they could result in loss of hearing if you are not careful. The doctor will carefully check your ear canal for infection and recommend the best treatment for quick relief.
It is important to note that frequent infections and fluid buildup in the ear can lead to complications, even though they are rare occurrences. The persistently swollen ear canal and infection can result in serious complications such as:
Ear infections can affect hearing impairment, temporary or permanent. Toddlers and infants with swollen ear canals or ear infections can go through development, social and speech delays.
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Ear infections are not good for hearing and result in mild hearing loss that comes and goes with the problem. Long-term or
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