Hello, I'm Dr. Smith, an otolaryngologist specializing in ear, nose, and throat conditions. I've been practicing for over 20 years and have extensive experience dealing with swimmer's ear and other ear infections.

Let's discuss swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa. It's an infection of the external ear canal, the tube that runs from the outer ear to the eardrum. It's often caused by bacteria or fungi that thrive in a moist environment, making it common among swimmers.

Yes, swimmer's ear can be quite painful. The pain can be sharp, throbbing, and intense, especially when you touch or pull on the ear. It can make it difficult to sleep and can interfere with your daily activities.

Here are some of the common symptoms of swimmer's ear:

* Pain: As mentioned earlier, pain is the most common symptom. It often starts gradually but can become severe quickly.
* Itching: You may experience itching in the ear canal before the pain develops.
* Redness and swelling: The skin inside the ear canal may become red and swollen, making it difficult to insert cotton swabs or other objects.
* Discharge: You may notice a clear, yellow, or bloody discharge from the ear.
* Hearing loss: In some cases, swimmer's ear can cause a temporary loss of hearing.
* Tenderness: The area around the ear may be tender to the touch.

The severity of the pain can vary depending on the severity of the infection and individual factors. Some people experience mild discomfort, while others experience excruciating pain.

If you suspect you have swimmer's ear, it's important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. They can examine your ear, determine the cause of the infection, and prescribe appropriate medication. Treatment typically involves ear drops containing antibiotics or antifungal medications to fight the infection. In some cases, your doctor may need to clean the ear canal to remove debris and drainage.

To prevent swimmer's ear, it's essential to keep the ear canal dry after swimming or bathing. Here are some helpful tips:

* Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. You can use a towel or a hairdryer on a low setting.
* Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, such as cotton swabs, as this can push water or debris further in, increasing the risk of infection.
* Wear earplugs when swimming in contaminated water or when exposed to water for extended periods.
* Consider using ear drops containing alcohol or vinegar to help keep the ear canal dry.

If you experience persistent ear pain or other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.

Remember, early detection and treatment are crucial in managing swimmer's ear.
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Affecting the outer ear, swimmer's ear (also called acute otitis externa) is a painful condition resulting from inflammation, irritation, or infection. These symptoms often occur after water gets trapped in your ear, with subsequent spread of bacteria or fungal organisms.read more >>