The most common reason a child's ear hurts after swimming is due to swimmer's ear (otitis externa), an infection of the outer ear canal.
Understanding Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear occurs when:
- Excess Moisture: Water trapped in the ear canal creates a moist environment.
- Skin Irritation: This moisture can irritate the delicate skin lining the ear canal.
- Bacterial or Fungal Growth: Irritated skin becomes more susceptible to infection by bacteria or fungi that thrive in moist conditions.
Essentially, the water softens the skin, making it easier for germs to take hold and cause an infection. While commonly associated with swimming, any activity that leads to excessive moisture in the ear can trigger swimmer's ear.
Contributing Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of swimmer's ear:
- Swimming Frequently: The more time spent in the water, the higher the chance of water remaining in the ear.
- Improper Drying: Failing to dry the ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing.
- Scratching the Ear Canal: Using cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects to scratch the ear canal can damage the skin and create entry points for bacteria.
- Narrow Ear Canals: Some individuals naturally have narrower ear canals, which can trap water more easily.
- Chemical Irritants: Exposure to harsh chemicals in pools (like chlorine) or soaps can irritate the ear canal lining.
Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear
Besides ear pain, other symptoms of swimmer's ear can include:
- Itching inside the ear
- Redness inside the ear
- Drainage from the ear (clear, white, yellow, or green)
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Pain when the ear is touched or when the jaw is moved
What to Do if You Suspect Swimmer's Ear
If your child experiences ear pain or other symptoms after swimming, it's important to:
- Consult a Doctor: See a doctor or other healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. They will likely prescribe ear drops containing antibiotics or antifungals.
- Keep the Ear Dry: Avoid swimming or getting the ear wet until the infection clears up.
- Follow Doctor's Instructions: Administer the prescribed medication as directed.
Prevention Tips
Here are some ways to help prevent swimmer's ear:
- Dry Ears Thoroughly: After swimming or bathing, dry your child's ears with a clean towel. You can also tilt the head to each side to help drain water.
- Use Ear Drops: Over-the-counter ear drops designed to dry out the ear canal can be used after swimming (check with your pediatrician first).
- Avoid Cotton Swabs: Discourage the use of cotton swabs, as they can push wax and debris further into the ear canal and irritate the skin.
- Consider Earplugs: If your child is prone to swimmer's ear, consider using earplugs while swimming.
- Keep Pool Water Clean: Ensure proper chlorination of swimming pools.
