With summer on the horizon, many of us may be planning trips to the beach or pool for some much needed relaxation! While swimming is a fun activity for the whole family, it’s important to be aware of swimmer's ear and the steps you can take to prevent it. This blog will answer some frequently asked questions about the symptoms of swimmer’s ear and when to seek medical treatment.
For same-day treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale today. Our team of board-certified medical providers specialize in treating a wide range of general conditions, seven days a week. You can walk into the clinic or schedule an appointment online.
Causes and Early Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is also referred to as otitis externa, and it’s caused by an infection of the outer ear canal. The infection occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal. The trapped water creates a warm and moist environment that can drive the growth of bacteria. This leads to inflammation, pain, and discomfort.
Early symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Pain
- Swollen glands and/or ear canal
- Muffled hearing or hearing loss
- Pus draining from the ear
Advanced Swimmer’s Ear Can Cause a Fever
While swimmer’s ear is a common condition, and can be treated effectively in the early stages, the infection can potentially lead to more serious complications– including fever. Fever is a symptom of many infections, including swimmer’s ear. When the body is working to fight off an infection, it typically raises its internal temperature as a way of defending itself from the invading bacteria or virus. It’s not uncommon to develop a low-grade fever when you have the flu, COVID-19, and other common infections.
However, a fever that occurs after a swimmer’s ear infection may be a sign that the infection has spread beyond the outer ear canal and surrounding tissues. This could lead to a more serious condition, so it’s important to seek the proper medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Swimmer’s Ear
If you believe you have swimmer’s ear and are experiencing a fever, it’s strongly recommended to have your condition examined by a medical professional. A provider can examine your ears and assess the severity of infection. A proper diagnosis is necessary to determine the type of bacteria that caused your infection so you can receive the best care possible. Treatment for swimmer’s ear generally involves antibiotics, which may be prescribed in the form of antibiotics. Additionally, you can take over-the-counter medications to relieve ear pain and discomfort.
To prevent swimmer’s ear from occurring in the first place, be sure to keep your ears clean and dry. After swimming, dry your ears gently with a towel. Furthermore, avoid using cotton swabs, wear ear plugs, and avoid swimming in contaminated water, like lakes or ponds.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale for Treatment
Swimmer’s ear can cause a fever if the infection spreads into the advanced stages. If you develop a fever, be sure to seek the appropriate medical treatment to prevent further complications. With the right care and prevention methods, you can significantly reduce your risk of swimmer’s ear and other infections. When illness or injury happens, AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale is there. The clinic is open seven days a week and operates on a walk-in basis, meaning you never need to make an appointment prior to visiting! Simply walk-in to start recovering in the right hands. If you have any additional questions about swimmer’s ear treatment, or other services we provide, please call our office directly at (201) 523-9222.
