When the ear enters water, do this to overcome it

For To maintain health and fitness, many people choose to swim regularly. Just be careful,because moment swim often appear complaints of water ingress in the ear.

Water that enters the ear for a long time and occurs repeatedly, can increase the risk of inflammation and infection in the ear canal. For example, in people who often swim.

Inflammation in question can be redness and swelling of the external ear canal (outer). This section is a canal located between the outer ear and the eardrum. In the medical world, this inflammatory disorder is known as otitis externa.

Recognize the Symptoms of an Ear Infection Due to Water Entry

At first, the symptoms of water ingress in the ear are mild. However, if not treated immediately or the infection has spread, the symptoms will get worse. Symptoms of a mild infection include:

  • Ears appear red.
  • Itching in the ear canal.
  • Pain when the earlobe is pulled.
  • Clear, odorless liquid comes out.

Symptoms of moderate severity can include:

  • The redness in the ears is getting more and more widespread.
  • The itching is getting worse.
  • The pain is increasing.
  • Ear pain when chewing.
  • More and more fluid is coming out.
  • Pus coming out of the ear.
  • Ears feel covered with fluid.
  • Have hearing loss.

In severe stages, symptoms include:

  • Severe pain that radiates to the face, neck, or side of the head. Redness and swelling of the outer ear.
  • The ear canal is completely blocked.
  • Fever.
  • The lymph nodes in the neck swell.

If you have ear complaints, immediately contact an ENT specialist for proper examination and treatment. The first time, the doctor will likely clean the ear canal. Next, the doctor will provide medication to treat the infection and pain. If the ear feels itchy, the doctor can also prescribe an itchy ear medication. During treatment, it is recommended not to swim or keep the ear out of water for at least 2 weeks.

Untreated otitis externa can cause problems, namely chronic otitis externa that lasts for a long time or repeatedly; malignant otitis externa that occurs as a result of the infection spreading and damaging to the cartilage and bones of the skull; narrowing of the ear canal; and swelling and infection of the face.

How to get water out of the ear

So that the problem of getting water in the ear does not develop into an alarming condition, you should immediately try to remove water that has entered the ear. Some of the ways below can be done to remove water from the ear.

  • Wipe the ear with a cloth

    When the ear gets water, the first easy way to do is to wipe the ear with a cloth. Gently wiping the outer ear with a soft cloth or towel may absorb some of the water in the ear. Do this wiping while tilting the water-infested ear toward the cloth. Be sure not to push the cloth inside the ear as this will only push the water.

  • Tilt your head to the side

    Another way to get water out of your ear is to tilt your head towards the ear where the water is getting in. If necessary, do this while making small jumps on one leg to push the water out. Pull the earlobe so that the ear canal opens wider so that it is easier for water to come out.

  • Lying sideways

    Water will flow to a lower place because of the influence of gravity. For that, try lying on your side so that the liquid can easily come out for at least a few minutes. Usually the earlobe will feel warm as the water comes out.

  • Evaporate

    Another possible way to help free water from inside the ear, especially from the Eustachian tube, is by yawning. This movement may help relieve tension in the ear so it can drain the water out.

  • Chewing something

    Usually water that enters the ear will be trapped in the eustachian tube. This part is a part of the inner ear. To help free up water so it can be expelled more easily, chewing motions can help. If necessary, chew while tilting your head to make it easier for the water to escape.

If these actions still don't work to overcome the condition of the ear getting water in, then it never hurts to go to the nearest ENT specialist. You should also go to the doctor immediately if the ear feels pain, ringing, bleeding from the ear, until hearing loss occurs.