Otitis: can we prevent it in summer?
Every year, swimmer's ear or otitis externa, which increases during the summer period, represents the main ENT disorder.
The different types and degrees of otitis are common but an alarming and concerning prevalence is noted in summer because of swimming, beach, swimming pools, rivers and lakes. Bacteria and/or mycosis can infect the ears and cause otitis.
The risk is due to the shape of the auditory canal itself, a small tunnel of 2-4 cm that is not well-ventilated and tends to trap some drops of water.
With the increasing number of swims, the water stagnates in the ear and eliminates earwax, the thin layer of yellow wax that protects the skin by expelling small particles like a conveyor belt.
The most common symptoms of this type of otitis are acute pain due to inflammation, which is increased by pressure and auricle movements, as well as the sensation that the ear is blocked or clogged.
There are some tips in terms of prevention:
These discomforts can be prevented by rinsing the ears with clean water and drying them after swimming, so as not to leave moisture in the external auditory canals.
Ears can be dried with a piece of paper and/or a hair dryer.
You can also wear earplugs for swimming, but as they are not waterproof, you should not forget to dry the auditory canal anyway.
Finally, you can also use sweet almond oil. Before bathing, one or two drops of sweet almond oil in each ear will create a small protective film in the canal.
On the other hand, it is important to avoid over-the-counter eardrops that may cause local allergic reactions. In case of otitis, we recommend that you visit a doctor and, if possible, an ENT specialist.
