External otitis: causes, symptoms and prevention in summer

Summer invites you to enjoy the sun, beach and pool. However, it is also one of the stations where medical consultations increase by earache. One of the most frequent causes is External otitis. It is an inflammation of the external auditory duct, which affects both children and adults and is closely related to moisture, and prolonged exposure to water. We appreciate the collaboration of Dr. Ignacio Erdozain Rodríguez, otolaryngologist at Viamed Los Manzanos, for his review and expert contribution in this article.

In this article we explain to you What is external otitisits symptoms, causes, treatment, how to prevent it and what to do if it appears.

What is external otitis?

The External otitis It is an acute inflammation of the external auditory channel, the duct that connects the outer part of the ear with the eardrum that alters the usual skin of the skin of this area generating an overinfection by bacteria or fungi. It develops more frequently in summer, due to repeated contact with water (especially in pools and beaches), moisture, and sometimes related to the use of objects that can damage the skin of the auditory duct.

What causes external otitis?

The main causes include:

• Excess moisture in the ear: Water retained in the ear favors the growth of bacteria or fungi.
• Excessive cleaning injuries: The use of rods or other objects can irritate or damage the skin of the duct.
• Use of headphones or ear plugs: If they are used by long periods, they can create a closed and humid environment and predispose to infection
• Skin lesions on the skin of the ear: ECCEMAS, skin dermatitis can predispose to the infection of the ear,

What are the symptoms of external otitis?

Symptoms may vary according to gravity, but among the most common are:

• Ear pain: intense, sharp and worsens when touching the ear or chewing.
• Itching on the auditory channel
• Feeling sensation or decreased hearing
• Secretions or suppuration
• Redness and visible inflammation of the auditory duct
• Sometimes, sore throatespecially when inflammation radiates to other nearby areas.

Is external otitis contagious?

No, external otitis It is not contagious. It is a condition located in the outer ear and is not transmitted from person to person. However, sharing objects such as headphones or hygiene plugs can increase the risk of developing infection.

What to do if you have otitis symptoms?

If you notice discomfort, itching or persistent pain in the ear, especially after swimming, it is important that you go to the doctor. A professional can examine your ear with an otoscope and determine if you have A ear infection as external otitis.

Treatment of external otitis

The treatment will depend on the cause and intensity of the infection, but may include:

• Antibiotic or antifungal otic drops
• Analgesics or anti -inflammatories For pain
• In severe cases, oral antibiotics
• Careful cleaning of the auditory channel by a professional

It is essential to avoid introducing objects in the ear during treatment and keeping it dry.

External otitis in summer: Why is it more common?

During the summer the perfect conditions are given for this infection to appear:

• Frequent baths In swimming pools, beaches or rivers.
• Warm and wet weatherwhich favors the proliferation of microorganisms.
• Excessive headphones and plugs that retain moisture.

That is why it is also known as “Oitis of the swimmer”since it especially affects those who practice water sports or spend many hours in the water.

Prevention: How to avoid external otitis?

Preventing this condition is simple if you adopt some healthy habits:

• Dries your ears well After swimming or showering, tilting your head to facilitate water outlet.
• Avoid introducing courage or objects that can damage the auditory channel.
• Use special swimming plugs In cases that there is predisposition or previous skin conditions such as dermitis, but make sure they are clean and dry.
• Avoid prolonged use of headphonesespecially if you have been in humid environments.
• If you have a tendency to infections, Consult with a specialist before the summer season.

Can I go to the pool with external otitis?

It is not recommended to swim while you have an active infection. Contact with water can worsen inflammation, delay recovery and increase the risk of complications. In addition, even if it is not contagious, it is a way of caring for your hearing health and avoiding a relapse.

Possible complications

If it is not correctly, external otitis can lead to:

• Deeper infections of the outer ear
• Chronic inflammationwith persistent pain
• Cycatricial abscess or tissue formation

In people with committed immune system or diabetes, it can become a more severe infection (evil otitis), although it is rare.

Differences between external otitis and otitis media

It is common to confuse both conditions, but they are different:

The External otitis It is a frequent condition, especially in summer, but can be prevented with simple measures and is efficiently treated if detected in time. Paying attention to the first symptoms, maintaining good auditory hygiene and going to the doctor when necessary are key to avoiding complications.

In Viamed Salud We have professionals in otolaryngology that can help you solve your ear discomfort and provide you with the most appropriate treatment for you. Do not let the earache Buy your summer. If you have symptoms, see us.