Diseases of the External Ear Canal
Ear Nose Throat Diseases
In the summer months, when swimming and water-related activities are common, external ear canal infections often increase due to contact with pool or seawater containing bacteria. External ear canal infections, also known as otitis externa or swimmer's ear, can result from bacteria, viruses, and sometimes fungi. They can manifest as severe pain, reduced hearing due to the narrowing of the ear canal, ear discharge, and sometimes even fever. If left untreated in the early stages, external ear canal infections can lead to the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.
What Is External Ear Canal Infection?
External ear canal infection, especially caused by bacteria such as "Pseudomonas aeruginosa" from swimming pools, oceans, or dirty water, and sometimes fungi. This infection causes severe ear pain, ear discharge, reduced hearing, itching, and in advanced cases, swelling and redness of the ear. Sometimes, the pain can be so severe that the patient may have difficulty eating. In such cases, protecting the ear from water and moisture may require saying goodbye to summer vacations.
Risk Factors for External Ear Canal Infection
The development of external ear canal infections is influenced by factors such as the individual's history of ear problems and exposure to dirty or contaminated water in the ear. Therefore, individuals who are at higher risk for external ear canal infections are those who have previously experienced ear canal problems. People who have had external ear canal infections should prevent direct contact of their ears with water when taking showers, swimming in the sea or pool. For individuals who have never had ear-related issues, these precautions are not necessary when entering the sea or pool.
People with uncontrolled chronic diabetes
Organ transplant recipients
Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
People with chronic diseases and nutritional disorders
AIDS patients
Especially individuals in these groups should be very cautious about external ear canal infections.
Causes of External Ear Canal Infection
The external ear canal is a warm and humid area, which can facilitate the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to the formation of diseases. Although it is commonly seen in summer, external ear canal infections can occur in every season and involve inflammation of the skin lining the external ear canal and the outer surface of the eardrum. It differs from middle ear infections. External ear canal infections, also known as otitis externa, can be caused by infections, allergies, or dermatological reasons. However, the most common causes of external ear canal infections are fungal or bacterial infections.
The fungus that most commonly causes external ear canal infections is "Aspergillus niger." It presents with severe itching, reduced hearing, and pain. During examination, white fungal hyphae or black creamy material may be observed in the external ear canal. Treatment involves protecting the ear from water and moisture, followed by cleaning by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist and the use of various medications, including antifungal drugs. For fungal infections, frequent dressing changes are often required. Otherwise, chronic and long-lasting cases can result.
Frequently cleaning the ear canal with cotton swabs, inserting foreign objects into the ear for scratching or cleaning purposes, washing the ear frequently during showers, or excessive water entering the ear canal after swimming in the pool can disrupt the protective layer of earwax and increase the risk of infection. The removal of this protective wax layer makes it easier for bacteria and fungi to grow.
In addition to these reasons:
Swimming in dirty water
Scratching and probing the ear
Presence of a foreign body in the ear
Allergy
Ear washing can also lead to external ear canal infection.
Symptoms of External Ear Canal Infection
Symptoms of external ear canal infection include itching, throbbing pain, blockage, and discharge. Sometimes, fever may accompany these symptoms. Ear pain can radiate to the neck and eye area. Movements of the ear, such as chewing, and pressure on the cartilage protrusion just in front of the ear canal entrance can increase pain.
In addition to itching in the external ear, symptoms may include yellow or yellow-green, foul-smelling discharge, inflammatory or foul-smelling pain, and blockage.
Redness and swelling in the ear and ear canal may occur.
The ear skin may appear scaly and with a rash.
Touching or moving the external ear canal can increase pain.
When these symptoms occur, it is essential to seek medical attention without delay.
Can Cotton Swabs Cause External Ear Canal Infection?
Accumulated earwax in the external ear canal that cannot be expelled and combines with a humid environment can lead to external ear canal infections. On the other hand, cotton swabs, which are commonly used to clean such earwax, can increase earwax accumulation and irritate the ear canal, predisposing it to infections. Using cotton swabs for cleaning is not recommended. In cases where earwax cannot be expelled naturally, it is necessary to consult a specialist for ear cleaning.
Treatment of External Ear Canal Infection
Self-prescribing medications for external ear canal infections without consulting a doctor can exacerbate the problem and lead to hearing loss and more severe conditions. Therefore, if there is earwax or a fungal mass in the ear, it should be understood that applying drugs without expert cleaning will not be effective, and medication should be used with the decision of an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist.
In external ear canal infections, the ear canal becomes red, swollen, and discharging. A direct diagnosis of external ear canal infection can be made through a physical examination. If there is discharge or inflammation, it should be cleaned during the examination. External ear canal infections can be treated with ear drops and medications, depending on the individual's condition. If the pain is severe, pain relievers may be recommended. During the treatment period, it is essential to keep the ears dry. After treatment initiation, a reduction in symptoms is generally seen within 3 days, and complete recovery is observed within 10 days. Early intervention in external ear canal infections results in less pain and prevents the infection from spreading to other areas.
During the treatment period, remember to:
Keep your ears dry while using the medication.
Opt for taking baths instead of showers. When washing your hair, try to prevent water from entering your ears by plugging them with soft cotton.
Avoid using earplugs.
Avoid water sports. Consult your doctor before resuming water-related activities.
Do not apply any medication to your ears other than what your doctor recommends.
Scratching and rubbing the ear can worsen external ear canal infections.
How to Use Ear Drops
When using ear drops, it is essential to follow the duration and frequency specified by your doctor. Before instilling ear drops, the drops should be warmed in the palm of your hand. Warming the drops prevents dizziness after instillation. To ensure the medication moves through the ear canal, the earlobe should be moved forward and backward.
Consult a Specialist Before Home Treatment!
In cases of external ear canal infections, antibiotics should never be used without consulting a doctor. If you have persistent ear pain, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Also, attempting to treat external ear canal infections at home using herbal products or similar methods is not advisable. Improper applications like herbal remedies can exacerbate the condition rather than cure it.
People with external ear canal infections should:
Protect their ears while swimming
Ensure that the pool or sea is clean
If there is severe ear pain and earplugs cannot be used, take a break from pool and sea activities for a while
Dry the ears after exposure to moisture and water (with a soft cotton)
Avoid scratching the ears and inserting earwax removal swabs or other objects into the ear canal
2-3 drops of vinegar may be effective
Seek medical attention as soon as itching and mild deep-seated pain begin in the external ear canal during the first days. The application of vinegar to the external ear canal, 2-3 drops, can be helpful. If this is not sufficient or if the pain continues to worsen, it is crucial to consult a specialist as soon as possible.