Symptoms Of Swimmer's Ear

Feeling Of Fullness In The Ear

Beyond pain, affected individuals may have a feeling of fullness in the ear. This can be very uncomfortable, and patients may be tempted to pull on the outer ear or stick foreign objects, like cotton swabs, into the ear canal. Unfortunately, all of this can make the infection worse. This feeling of fullness in the ear may stem from a buildup of fluid, swelling in the ear canal, or a buildup of foreign debris, like wax and dirt. As swimmer's ear progresses, the ear canal may eventually become completely blocked. This uncomfortable feeling may lead to trouble sleeping, and it can even interfere with balance as you walk and move about. However, it should go away once swimmer's ear is treated.

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Discharge Of Pus

In the early stages of swimmer's ear, patients may notice a discharge of clear fluid from the ear. As the condition progresses, there may be an increase in discharge. A discharge of pus indicates an advanced infection, and patients experiencing this symptom should consult a doctor as soon as possible. To evaluate the discharge from the ear, the doctor may need to take a swab to identify the cause of the infection. They may also suction out the ear canal, which will remove some of the discharge and help make treatment easier. In cases of severe swimmer's ear including the discharge of pus, patients typically require a combination of treatments. For infections caused by a fungus, doctors will prescribe antifungal treatments, and antibiotics are necessary for the treatment of bacterial infections. Steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Some of these medications are taken orally, and others are given as ear drops. An acidic solution applied to the outer ear may be useful in restoring the proper balance of bacteria in the ear. Patients should monitor the discharge from the ear and inform their doctor if it is not improving with treatment.

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