Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is a painful infection that typically occurs because of prolonged water in the ear canal. According to Dan Research, swimmer’s ear affects 1 out of 200 Americans yearly. This condition is more common in children who spend much time in the water and outdoors. Dr. Joshua Goldberg and Dr. Holly Forst from the office of Dr. Goldberg Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists in Road Willow Grove, PA, can diagnose and treat swimmer’s ear. But how do you know when you need to visit an ear, nose, and throat doctor?
The common occurrence of swimmer’s ear is swimming in a body of water. This can happen in regular pools but is more likely in lakes, rivers, or oceans. You can also get it from high winds and rain. Swimmer’s ear is an infection caused by water sitting in the canal that grows bacteria. The severity of this condition can be mild or chronic. Go here for other reasons to take your child to the ear, nose, and throat doctor.
The symptoms of swimmer’s ear vary. However, the first sign is a pain in the ear. Other systems include:
Pain in the ear while chewing or swallowing.
Extreme itching in and around the ear.
Swelling around the lymph nodes of the ear.
In severe cases, the ear may produce pus or will be hard to hear.
A fever or sweating can occur in some cases.
Once you expect you or your child to have swimmer’s ear, it is essential to make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor, such as the office of Dr. Goldberg Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists. If you are experiencing ear pain without any other symptoms, it may be sinus pressure. Go here to read more about that.
Use a heating pad to relieve the pain in your ear before your ear, nose, and throat doctor’s appointment. Once the specialist determines the cause of your symptoms is otitis externa, the recovery time is typically 3 to 7 days. The doctor will prescribe ear drops and antibiotic medication. Be sure to take all doses that they prescribe.
In extreme cases, the medicine may not be effective. If this is the case, the ear, nose, and throat doctor may have to drain the water from your ear. It is a simple outpatient procedure.
Call (215) 659-8805 or visit Dr. Goldberg’s Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists’ website to request an appointment. You can watch a short video about Dr. Goldberg and his staff here. Getting to an ear, nose, and throat doctor as soon as possible when you suspect a swimmer’s ear problem is vital. Don’t delay! Call today!
