With many kids spending lots of time in the pool, be on the lookout for swimmer's ear

With many kids spending lots of time in the pool, be on the lookout
for swimmer's ear
By Dan Vierria - Bee Staff Writer

Published 12:00 am PDT Sunday, June 3, 2007
Story appeared in SCENE section, Page L10

Water, especially these days, may be contaminated, which increases
chances for swimmer's ear, a painful ear infection.

Swimmer's ear is a bacterial or fungal infection caused by trapped
water. One symptom may be a vile-smelling, yellowish-green pus in the
ear canal. Eww ...

Water-sports enthusiasts and those who while away the summer days in
pools, lakes, rivers or on beaches are most prone to swimmer's ear.
Poorly maintained swimming pools are an invitation for a bad case of
swimmer's ear.

A shower or bath can create the environment for the ear infection.
Hair spray and dyes that get into the ear canal also can be culprits.

Sacramento and other areas with many swimming pools and rivers have
more cases of swimmer's ear. Children seem to contract it more often
than adults, but Carmichael ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Mitch
Blum says that's because kids are such water bugs.

"A lot of the young kids have it and I see it all year around," he
says. "You'd think it should be seasonal because of the swimming."

When water doesn't drain from the ear, the symptoms can range from
decreased hearing to intense pain, depending on the progression of the
infection.

"Generally, the ear feels heavy and you can't hear as well," says
Blum. "That's the trapped water. For older people who have some
ringing in the ears, the ringing gets louder."

Water trapped in the ears also has been described as causing buzzing,
humming and crackling noises. Jumping up and down, on one leg or two,
sometimes will release the water. Tugging on the ear lobe, tilting the
head toward the shoulders, yawning and repeatedly opening and shutting
the mouth are other homespun strategies that may or may not work.

Prevention, as usual, is the best strategy. Ear plugs can help.
BioEars, new antimicrobial earplugs (www.bioears.com), are the latest
product to help prevent swimmer's ear. The earplugs contain an
antimicrobial agent.

In its early stages, over-the-counter ear drops can stop the
infection. Antibiotic ear drops may be used for more severe cases.

Swimming is great exercise. Just remember to keep your ears dry.

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