Introduction
Swimmer's ear and fungal infections are common ear problems that affect many people. Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, while fungal infections can occur in the middle or inner ear. Both conditions can cause discomfort, pain, and hearing problems. In this article, we will define swimmers' ear and fungal infections, discuss their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, and provide prevention tips.
Swimmer's ear
Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa usually causes it, but other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, can also cause the infection. Swimmer's ear occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth. Other causes of the swimmer's ear include skin irritation, scratches, or cuts in the ear canal. Swimmer's ear is common among swimmers, hence the name, but it can affect anyone.
Symptoms of swimmer's ear include ear pain, itching, redness, swelling, discharge, and hearing loss. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the infection. If left untreated, swimmer's ear can lead to complications, such as cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection, or osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection.
Diagnosis of a swimmer's ear is usually based on the symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Your doctor may examine your ear canal using an otoscope, take a sample of the discharge for testing, or order imaging tests to rule out other conditions.
Treatment options for swimmer's ears include ear drops containing antibiotics or antifungal medication to kill the bacteria or fungi causing the infection. Your doctor may also recommend pain relievers to ease the discomfort. In severe cases, your doctor may need to clean your ear canal or prescribe oral antibiotics.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections in the ear, also known as otomycosis, can occur in the middle or inner ear. They are caused by the overgrowth of fungi, such as Aspergillus or Candida, in the ear canal. Fungal infections are more common in people with a weakened immune system, those who have recently taken antibiotics, or those who use hearing aids or earplugs.
Symptoms of fungal infections in the ear include ear pain, itching, discharge, and hearing loss. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the infection. Fungal infections can lead to complications, such as hearing loss, if left untreated.
Diagnosis of fungal infections in the ear is usually based on the symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Your doctor can diagnose a fungal infection by examining your ear canal using an otoscope and taking a sample of the discharge for testing.
Treatment options for fungal infections in the ear include antifungal ear drops or oral antifungal medication to kill the fungus causing the infection. Your doctor may also recommend cleaning your ear canal to remove the discharge and debris.
Prevention
To prevent swimmer's ear and fungal infections in the ear, follow these tips:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering. Use a towel or a hair dryer on a low setting to remove any moisture from your ears.
- Avoid swimming in polluted or contaminated water. These types of water can contain harmful bacteria or fungi that can cause infections.
- Wear earplugs when swimming or diving. Earplugs can prevent water from entering your ears and reduce your risk of developing swimmer's ear or fungal infections.
- Avoid inserting foreign objects, such as cotton swabs, into your ears. These objects can push wax deeper into your ear canal and cause irritation or injury.
- Clean your hearing aids regularly. Fungal infections can develop on hearing aids if they are not cleaned properly.
- Practice good ear hygiene by keeping your ears clean and dry. Use a gentle cleanser to clean the outside of your ears, and avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ear canal.
Conclusion
Swimmer's ear and fungal infections are common ear problems that can cause discomfort and hearing problems. If you experience any symptoms of these conditions, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. To prevent swimmers' ear and fungal infections, practice proper ear care and hygiene practices, and avoid swimming in contaminated water.
References
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. (2021). Swimmer's ear. Retrieved from https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/swimmers-ear/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Fungal diseases. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/index.html
- Fung, E., & Helms, J. (2020). Otomycosis. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- Kaur, R., Mittal, N., Kakkar, M., & Aggarwal, A. K. (2014). Fungal otitis externa: an uncommon entity. Indian Journal of Otology, 20(1), 26-29.
- Pestka, J. M., & Pestka, J. (2018). Fungal ear infections. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- Rosenfeld, R. M., Brown, L., Cannon, C. R., Dolor, R. J., Ganiats, T. G., Hannley, M., ... & Roland, P. S. (2014). Clinical practice guideline: acute otitis externa. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 150(1_suppl), S1-S24.
- Sadighi, M., & Ehteram, H. (2012). Otitis externa: a practical guide to treatment and prevention. American Family Physician, 86(11), 1055-1061.
- Wippold, F. J., Williams, D., & Brown, J. (2018). Otomycosis: MR imaging findings. American Journal of Neuroradiology, 39(1), 123-127.
