Otitis extern is a common problem of the ears. The inflammation occurs in the outer era canal and affects the tube that is located in between the ear drum and the surface of the external ear.
This disease is commonly known as “swimmer’s ear”. Generally bacterial growth of the fungal infection can cause this problem. It affects a crucial part of the ear, the tubular opening which is responsible for the carrying of sound from the outside world to the eardrum. All those children who either swim or spend maximum amount of time inside waters can develop this problem.
Causes of Otitis Externa
People who tend to spend a lot of time in the water can develop this problem. The ears retain a lot of moisture which in turn are instrumental in breaking the skin surface in the canal or irritate the soft tissues so much that it becomes exposed. The growth of moisture can lead to bacterial or fungal infection. People living in temperate climates can be affected by such a problem.
Swimmers should be more careful. However the problem can occur in all those who do not even swim. The breakage of the skin surface in the canal of the ear can also lead to this problem.
If you are affected with the problem of eczema or dry skin, or the ear is scratched continuously or are cleaned without care with instruments like paper clips, bobby pins, or cotton-tipped applicators can face otitis externa. Sometimes the pus which develops as a result of infection in the middle of the ears can come to this portion and create a favorable condition for the growth of otitis externa.
Symptoms of Otitis Externa
Acute ear pain is the first indication of this problem. The pain can be unbearable and can extend to earlobes or any external portion of the ear. The pain becomes worse if the ear is pressed or otherwise. As ears and throat are all interconnected there can be problems of chewing and the ear canal can itch and there is a resultant pain which might continue for a long time.
If the ear is swollen the children generally talk about an uncomfortable feeling inside the ears. The outer portion may become red and one can observe enlargement in lymph nodes. Pus may come out from the ear canal which is generally yellowish in color. The child can also suffer from temporary hear loss and the debris which grow inside the canals can lead to hampering of hearing.
Treatment of Otitis Externa
Before the doctor start treating otitis externa the problem should be examined by otoscope and a portion is taken to the laboratory for medical examinations. The eras should be cleaned carefully and properly by gentle suction and after the discharge is cleared there are lesser chances of any further problems. Ear drops can also be used to clear the discharge. Sometimes in more problematic cases antibiotics are provided to the patients.
A drop or a steroid cream can be useful. If the infection takes a bad shape and there is no chance of the decrease in the pain the doctor can ask for the culture of the discharge which actually helps to determine the root cause of the problem.
cotton wicks are provided so that the medicines are carried deep inside the eras eardrops if applied regularly for 7 to 10 days can reduce the pain and lessen the problem. Consultation of a doctor is must but you can rely on some homemade treatments to reduce the pain. Warm washcloths or heating pads can be used to reduce the swells and the pain. Medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen cane be used for the problem.
Advice:
After the doctor is consulted the instructions should be followed carefully. The child should be kept away from water and the ear drops and antibiotics should be given to the child. During the course of bathing or showering, the child should wear a shower cap which offers protection or still better if the child wears an ear plug to prevent any further damage.
