Spending time in pools and at the beach is the best part of the summer season. Although laying in the sun and going for a quick dip may not pose any real danger, exposing your ear canals to water too much can increase your risk of developing an ear infection. Swimmer’s ear is a common type of bacterial ear infection that develops due to water getting stuck inside the ear canal. It can cause severe discomfort and often requires medical treatment. Learn more about the early signs of swimmer's ear and tips for avoiding swimmer's ear in this article.
For same-day ear pain diagnosis and treatment, AFC Urgent Care North Bergen has you covered. Our team of board-certified medical providers is available 7 days a week with extended business hours to provide a diagnosis of your symptoms and treatment for infections such as swimmer’s ear. Simply walk into the clinic.
How Do You Get Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection deep inside your ear that can occur when water gets stuck inside the ear. Over time, the water will begin to erode the ear canal from the inside, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. This infection has been nicknamed swimmer’s ear because the most common cause of the infection happens due to water flooding the ear canals as a result of swimming. However, swimmer’s ear can also happen from showering and other everyday activities.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear usually is identifiable due to its early symptoms. Swimmer’s ear typically presents with mild redness and irritation in the ear or around the ear. If you’re someone who enjoys spending time in the water during the summer, it is important to keep an eye out for symptoms of swimmer’s ear including:
- Pain inside the ear
- Redness in and around the ear
- Draining liquid or puss from the ear
- Swelling in the ear canal
- Trouble hearing
Swimmer’s Ear Diagnosis & Treatment in North Bergen, NJ
Swimmer’s ear symptoms usually begin a few days after water is stuck in the ear canal. Symptoms begin as very mild, and worsen over time as the infection grows. Swimmer’s ear infections are caused by a bacteria, so they are not contagious from person to person. However, they usually require medication to resolve the infection completely. Treatment is typically medicated ear drops, which can clear the infection within 7-10 days.
Visit AFC Urgent Care for Walk-In Ear Pain Treatment near North Bergen, NJ
If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain in your ear, it is important to seek medical attention. Ear infections can be very painful and long-lasting without treatment. With the correct treatment, your symptoms will resolve quickly. At AFC Urgent Care North Bergen, our team of dedicated medical providers is available 7 days a week to provide rapid ear infection diagnosis and treatment for patients of all ages. If you live in North Bergen, NJ, or one of the surrounding communities, simply walk into the clinic for same-day care. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care. Walk-in today.
