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Otitis Externa


Otitis externa, also known as "swimmer's ear," is an infection of the outer ear canal which extends from the ear drum to the outside. Otitis externa is usually bacterial, but can be fungal. It can be caused by swimming in dirty water, frequent swimming in chlorinated pools or too much moisture in the ear from any cause. A frequent problem is related to ear wax packed with daily Q-tip use. The most common symptom is pain. Other symptoms are pain when the earlobe is pulled, itching, drainage, or slight fever.

Instructions

  1. It is important to keep your ear dry. Do not swim or get water in your ear for three weeks after your doctor tells you the infection is gone.
  2. Apply heat with heating pad or hair dryer (on low setting). Don't sleep on a heating pad (you will burn your ear). You may warm your ear drops by placing the container in warm water.
  3. Sleeping with your head elevated may help pain.
  4. You may take Advil (three or four tablets, three times a day with food) or Tylenol or alternate the two.

Call If

  1. You have pain that is not relieved by ear drops, Advil/Tylenol and application of heat.
  2. You have a fever over 100 degrees F.
  3. There is a discharge from your ear.
  4. The outer ear becomes red or swollen or if swelling develops behind the ear.
  5. There are problems related to your medication.