How long does it take to get an ear infection after swimming?
Nicholas Thiel
2025-05-26 20:52:06
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Symptoms usually appear within a few days of swimming and include itchiness inside the ear, redness and swelling of the ear, pain when the infected ear is tugged or when pressure is placed on the ear, and pus draining from the infected ear. Swimmer's ear can occur when water stays in the ear canal for long periods of time, providing the perfect environment for germs to grow and infect the skin. Germs found in pools and at other recreational water venues are one of the most common causes of swimmer's ear. Symptoms are usually mild at first, but they may get worse if the infection spreads or is not treated. Ear infections can be caused by leaving contaminated water in the ear after swimming. This infection, known as swimmer's ear or otitis externa, is not the same as the common childhood middle ear infection.
Rasheed Johnson
2025-05-26 20:28:20
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People who get it often have been diving or swimming a lot, which can bring germs directly into the ear canal. Swimmer's ear often happens during the summer months, when lots of us are enjoying water activities. Sometimes, in a person with a middle ear infection (otitis media), pus collected in the middle ear can drain into the ear canal through a hole in the eardrum, causing otitis externa. The main sign is severe ear pain that gets worse when the outside part of the ear is pulled or pressed on. Sometimes there is itching in the ear canal before the pain begins. Prescription ear drops usually cure swimmer's ear in 7–10 days. The pain should ease within a few days of starting treatment. You'll only need pain medicine for a day or two — until the ear drops and antibiotics begin to work. To protect your ear while it heals, your doctor will probably tell you to keep your ears dry for several days or weeks — even while showering or shampooing!
Stefan Eichmann
2025-05-26 20:13:47
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Otitis externa is often called ‘swimmer’s ear’ because regularly getting water in your ear can make inflammation more likely. Getting water in your ear can cause you to scratch inside your ear, and the moisture also provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Usually, only one ear is affected. Otitis externa sometimes gets better without treatment, but it can take several weeks. With treatment, these symptoms should clear up within a few days. Some cases can persist for several months or longer. You should avoid swimming until the condition has fully cleared. Ear drops can usually improve symptoms within a few days.
Hope Balistreri
2025-05-26 19:22:47
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If you notice ear pain or itchiness after being in the water, let your healthcare provider know. They can prescribe ear drops that can get rid of your symptoms in about a week. Swimmer’s ear usually isn’t serious if you treat it early.
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