Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is an inflammation of the external ear canal. Swimmer's ear is caused by fungi or bacteria. Water that remains trapped in the ear canal (when swimming, for example) may provide a source for the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Many different factors can increase your child's chance of developing swimmer's ear. As the name implies, one of the factors is excessive wetness as with swimming, although it can occur without swimming. Other possible causes of this infection include the following:
The following are the most common symptoms of swimmer's ear. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of swimmer's ear may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.
The following are some hints to help prevent swimmer's ear:
Swimmer's ear may be diagnosed with a complete medical history and physical examination by your child's doctor. Your child's doctor may use an otoscope, a lighted instrument that helps to examine the ear and to aid in the diagnosis of ear disorders. This will help your child's doctor know if there is also an infection in the middle ear, called otitis media. Although this infection usually does not occur with swimmer's ear, some children may have both types of infections.
Your child's doctor may also take a culture of the drainage from the ear to help determine proper treatment.
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