What Is Swimmers Ear (Otitis Externa)?
“Otitis externa (oh-TY-tis ex-TER-nah), or swimmer’s ear, as it’s more commonly called, is inflammation of the outer ear canal caused by a bacterial or fungal (FUNgal) infection, or sometimes a combination of the two. Symptoms can include itching, pain, and discharge. Certain people are highly susceptible to otitis externa, especially swimmers, and may need to protect their ears…” (1) The number one reason for emergency room visits was ear infections in 1998. “The number one reason that a child visits a physician is for an ear infection.” (2) In 1975 there were 9.9 Million visits to MDs and in 1997 there was 30.0 Million visits to MDs for ear infections. What is wrong with this picture? “Reoccurring ear infections account for over 35% of all pediatrician visits in the United States. Sometimes these infections are due to bacteria and sometimes these are due to a virus.” (3) CAUSES AND INCREASED RISKS “Earaches can be mild or very painful. They are a sign that something is wrong. The m
