Swimmer’s ear, why is it common in the holiday season?

by time news

2023-07-04 23:00:05

The beaches are one of the favorite destinations for tourists during the summer holidays.
Water activities such as swimming increase the risk of developing infections such as swimmer’s ear.
According to the WHO, one in four people will have hearing problems by 2050.

Summer has arrived and the most common thing is to go on vacation and for this reason it is necessary to pay attention to the swimmer’s ear. Although it is not mentioned frequently, it is actually a fairly common problem. As a consequence, most people are unaware from its symptoms to the way in which it can be prevented.

To begin with, breaking with the routine is positive to take care of the mental health. Taking a few days to get to know new places or simply to rest is essential to combat stress and anxiety.

Now, one of the favorite destinations to visit during the summer holidays are the beaches. The warm weather is attractive to tourists and allows you to stay away from working life for a few days.

The most common disease of the holiday seasons

With that said, now it’s time to talk about the swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa. It is an infection of the external ear canal that can occur due to prolonged exposure to water, especially water activities such as swimming.

It occurs when water becomes trapped in the external ear canal, creating a Moist environment conducive to bacterial or fungal growth.

“This can cause inflammation, redness, itching and pain in the ear. In addition, it is possible that you experience a sensation of a clogged ear, discharge from the ear and difficulty hearing correctly”, says Dr. Gonzalo Corvera, Director of the Mexican Institute of Otology and Neurotology.

How to prevent it?

To prevent the swimmer’s ear It is essential to take certain precautions during water activities:

Dry your ears properly: After swimming or bathing, be sure to dry your ears well. Use a soft, dry towel to remove any traces of moisture. You can also tilt your head to the side and move it gently to allow the water to drain out of your ears.
Avoid excessive manipulation: Do not insert cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects into the ear canal. This can damage the skin and lead to the entry of bacteria.
Wear earplugs: This is a controversial measure, because although earplugs help prevent water from entering the ear canal, thus protecting your ears from possible infections, if the plugs are not fitted properly or are worn for a long time without allowing the ear to breathe and dry properly, they can create an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi.

In general, the use of earplugs is recommended except in people who have a specific ear disease or history that requires them.

Also read:

Mexican doctor from the INSP makes history and receives recognition from the WHO for this reason

9 out of 10 patients with atopic dermatitis avoid going on vacation for these reasons

How to go on vacation without neglecting the doctor’s office?

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