It’s summertime, which means you and your family will be out swimming and having fun in the sun. Ear infections can really throw a wrench in your plans, causing pain and upset for your child.
The good news is that swimmer’s ear in Rockville, MD can not only be managed, but prevented altogether. Here’s what professionals need you to know about managing this diagnosis!
What Is Swimmer’s Ear and What Symptoms Should You Look Out
Otitis externa, or more commonly known as swimmer’s ear, is an infection that affects the outer ear canal.
It occurs most frequently in children, especially those who swim often or spend a lot of time in humid environments.
It’s caused by water becoming trapped in the ear canal, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This then leads to infection and inflammation that can be uncomfortable or frustrating.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear start off as mild but can worsen if left untreated.
Early signs include ear pain that worsens when the ear is tugged, specifically the small bump in the front of your child’s ear, known as the tragus.
Redness inside of the ear, as well as a sensation of fullness or itchiness, are additional symptoms. Ear discharge may also be present. It can look clear, yellow, and / or like pus.
In severe cases, your child may exhibit symptoms like fever, intense pain, swelling, and even temporary hearing loss.
Common Risk Factors for This Ear Infection and How to Limit Your Child’s Exposure
There are many factors that exacerbate your child’s risk for developing swimmer’s ear in Rockville, MD.
Frequent swimming, especially in lakes, rivers, or poorly chlorinated pools, significantly raises the risk. Moisture lingering in the ear canal and excessive wax can further the issue as well.
Kids who wear earbuds or hearing aids may be more prone to this condition due to trapped moisture.
Preventing this infection is much easier than you would expect. The key to prevention is making sure your child’s ears are dry after swimming or bathing.
This can be done by encouraging them to tilt their heads and allow the water to drain naturally. Do not insert cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canals as this can worsen it.
Using swimming ear plugs can be incredibly beneficial at prevention if your child swims regularly. If infections are recurring, pediatricians may recommend over-the-counter drying drops.
What Can Be Done to Treat Swimmer’s Ear in Rockville, MD, Once an Infection Is Present
The good news is that treatments for swimmer’s ear in Rockville, MD, are effective and fast acting, especially when addressed early.
Your child’s pediatrician will examine their ear to assess the extent of infection and identify visible symptoms.
As a parent, it’s important to come prepared with information, such as when signs of an infection started and if this is a common occurrence for them.
Mild cases are typically treated with a short course of prescription antibiotic ear drops to fight infection and reduced inflammation.
Over-the-counter medications to manage pain, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are important to ease discomfort.
Severe cases require the ear canal to be carefully cleaned out. Only a medical professional should attempt this, do not try it at home.
During treatment, keep the affected area clean and dry. Your child should avoid swimming or submerging their head in water until the infection has fully healed.
How to Find Top-Rated Pediatricians to Manage Your Child’s Ear Infections Successfully
While this condition is easily treated and doesn’t demand worry most of the time, it’s still important that your child sees an experienced provider. Here are five tips for choosing a trusted pediatrician:
- Ask around for recommendations. It takes a village, so don’t be afraid to ask friends and family members about local pediatricians.
Word of mouth is valuable for finding reliable, effective healthcare for your family. Trusted sources can help you to narrow down your search for that.
- Seek out board-certified practitioners. Your child deserves the best care possible, so don’t settle for less when it comes to their pediatrician.
Check that they have board certification, showcasing that they meet high standards and offer extensive experience in treating conditions like swimmer’s ear.
- Take a look at testimonials. If you’re unable to acquire recommendations, reviews can also help to point you in the right direction.
Look for consistently positive feedback, accuracy in diagnosis, and successful treatments as part of a provider’s reviews.
- Evaluate their resources. Comprehensive, convenient medical care is essential for both treatment and prevention.
Inquire about the services they offer. Educational resources are also important to enable easy at-home care and ways to prevent this infection from occurring in the first place.
- Focus on follow-up care. Sometimes, a one-and-done visit isn’t always enough, especially when it comes to your peace of mind as a parent.
Because of this, look for pediatricians who are happy to schedule follow-up visits. This ensures that the infection has cleared up and your child can continue their summer fun comfortably.
Our Care Team at Potomac Pediatrics Is Here for You and Your Family During All Seasons!
Whether it’s a winter cold or summery ear infections, our pediatricians are prepared to help!
Not only do we provide proven treatments, we also offer the latest information and advice on dealing with tricky conditions like swimmer’s ear.
Call us now at 301-279-6750 to speak with a member of our team or schedule your child’s appointment online now!
