Water that stays in the ear after swimming can be uncomfortable as well as dangerous. Moisture in the ear creates a favorable environment for bacteria growth and infection. Plus, if the water in which you swam was polluted, as some lakes and rivers are, there's even more risk of infection. Water in the ear could lead to an ear infection commonly called "swimmer's ear" (acute external otitis). If you get such an infection, it will take time, and probably antibiotics, to restore you to health and get you back in the water.
Tips & Warnings
Clean water fosters fewer organisms, reducing the likelihood of ear and other infections.
To minimize the amount of water that gets into your ears, place a small cotton ball in each outer ear and then put on a tight-fitting swimming cap before going into the water.
Clean water fosters fewer organisms, reducing the likelihood of ear and other infections.
To minimize the amount of water that gets into your ears, place a small cotton ball in each outer ear and then put on a tight-fitting swimming cap before going into the water.
Do not stick foreign objects, even ear swabs, deeply into your ears.
Be alert for itchy or sore ears. At the first sign, squeeze the oil from a garlic clove into a small amount of olive oil and put a drop or two in each ear. If your symptoms worsen, seek a health professional's advice.
Remember not to swim until about ten days after an ear infection's last symptom disappears.
Do not stick foreign objects, even ear swabs, deeply into your ears.
Be alert for itchy or sore ears. At the first sign, squeeze the oil from a garlic clove into a small amount of olive oil and put a drop or two in each ear. If your symptoms worsen, seek a health professional's advice.
Remember not to swim until about ten days after an ear infection's last symptom disappears.
Article Written By Lani Johnson
Lani Johnson is a hiking, writing musician. Recent published work includes journalism, poetry and research. See her online writing at Trails.com or at Azacda.presspublisher.us.
