Swimmer’s Ear Outline

MEDICAL TERM
External Otitis

AGE
Any age group

SYMPTOMS

• Pain
• Fever
• Yellowish or greenish drainage

Most commonly seen after the person has been swimming.

PHYSICAL EXAM

• Red tender external ear, sore to touch or movement
• Yellowish or greenish drainage (purulent)

Most common complaint is pain and itching

LAB

• Conductive hearing loss
• Tympanometry – Unable to do study because of pain
• Collection for culture

TREATMENT

• Antibiotic ear drops
• Antibiotics
• Pain medication
• Heat to the area

Most patients take 3 to 4 days before they start to feel better. The infections can sometimes take weeks to completely heal. The patient must be cautioned against getting any water in the ear.

REFERRAL
All people with this problem need to be seen by their doctor.

PREVENTION
Over the counter ear drops which have alcohol and vinegar in them that will dry the ear. If the ear is infected, the alcohol may produce a burning-sensation.