Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, is a type of ear infection. It occurs mainly in the outer ear canal– the part of the ear between the eardrum and the outside. It is most commonly caused by bacteria that sits in your outer ear canal. The name comes from the fact that this can often occur when water is stuck in your ear after swimming. Water can carry bacteria leading to infection. Like most infections, swimmer’s ear can potentially lead to a fever, although it is very rare. In this blog, we’ll explore the symptoms of swimmer’s ear and when it might be necessary to seek medical attention.
For same-day swimmer’s ear treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction. Our medical team can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan treatment all on a walk-in basis. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, just pre-register below!
What Are The Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear?
The most prevalent and common symptom is ear pain. Like other infections, swimmer’s ear can cause pain that radiates from the ear to the jaw. Frequently, patients will feel this pain when they chew or bite down. Itching is also a common symptom and sometimes occurs before pain or discomfort. There can also be uncomfortable pressure inside the ear. Pus can form inside the ear which can lead to that pressure. The ear might also have a discharge that can be clear or cloudy and pus-like. Swimmer’s ear can also affect your ability to hear. The build-up of pus can block the eardrum and make it feel like one ear is underwater or otherwise muffled.
Can Swimmer’s Ear Cause a Fever?
While fever is not a common symptom associated with swimmer’s ear, it can occur in some cases. Typically, mild to moderate cases of swimmer’s ear do not cause a fever. The symptoms are usually confined to the ear. In more severe cases, where the infection spreads beyond the outer ear canal, systemic symptoms like a fever may develop. Additionally, if the initial infection is not adequately treated, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections, which might cause a fever as the body responds to the more widespread infection.
When To Seek Medical Attention For Swimmer’s Ear
Treatment can differ from patient to patient. If you are experiencing severe pain it is recommended you go to an urgent care center for treatment. A healthcare provider can recommend medications like ear drops that are antibacterial. There are also medications that can help with inflammation. In fact, most ear drops are designed to help both kill the bacteria and soothe the ear. Sometimes an ear infection causes swelling which makes it difficult to administer ear drops yourself. In those cases, your provider may use a small sponge to administer the medicine into the ear and might also remove some pus and build-up using a suction device.
You should seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:
- Persistent or worsening pain in the ear
- Drainage of pus or blood from the ear
- Significant swelling or redness
- Hearing loss
- High fever
- Swelling or tenderness in the lymph nodes
- Symptoms that do not improve or worsen
Get Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction
Swimmer’s ear can occasionally cause a fever, particularly in more severe cases where the infection spreads or becomes complicated by secondary infections. Recognizing the symptoms of swimmer's ear and seeking medical attention can help alleviate discomfort. If you or your child is experiencing severe pain, fever, or decreased hearing in one or both ears, you should consider seeing a medical provider about an ear infection. AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction is available to provide a same-day diagnosis and treatment plan to help prevent the infection from worsening. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-pay patients. The facility is open seven days a week– just walk-in! If you have any further questions about swimmer’s ear treatment, please call our team directly at (970) 609-2001.
