如何远离“游泳耳病”
夏天来了，天气热了，游泳、洗澡就会更频繁。游泳耳病即外耳病，是一种外耳的真菌或细菌感染。虽然叫做“游泳耳病”，但它可不是游泳者的“专利”，不游泳也可能会得病的。那么怎样治疗和远离“游泳耳病”呢?下面的文章可以教您几招。Swimmer's ear is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear
and ear canal.
Alternative Names Ear infection - outer ear - acute; Otitis externa -
acute
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Swimmer's ear is fairly common, especially among teenagers and young
adults. Swimming in polluted water is one way to contract swimmer's ear. The
condition also can be caused by scratching (in) the ear or by an object stuck in
it. Trying to clean wax from the ear canal, especially with cotton swabs or
small objects, can irritate or damage the skin.
Swimmer's ear is occasionally associated with middle ear infection or upper
respiratory infections such as colds. Moisture in the ear makes the ear
susceptible to infection from water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Other
bacteria, and rarely, fungus, can also cause infection.
Symptoms
Ear pain -- may worsen when pulling the outer ear Itching of the ear or ear
canal Drainage from the ear -- yellow, yellow-green, pus-like, or foul
smelling
Signs and tests
When the doctor looks in the ear, it appears red and swollen, including the
ear canal. The ear canal may appear eczema(湿疹)-like, with scaly shedding of
skin. Touching or moving the outer ear increases the pain. The eardrum may be
difficult for the doctor to see with an otoscope (耳镜) because of the swollen
outer canal. Taking some of the ear's drainage (排泄物) and doing a culture (培养) on
it may identify bacteria (细菌) or fungus (真菌).
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. The ear canal should be
cleaned of drainage to allow topical medications to work effectively.
Effective medications include ear drops containing antibiotics to fight
infection, and corticosteroids (皮质类固醇) to reduce itching and inflammation. Ear
drops should be used abundantly (four or five drops at a time) in order to
penetrate the end of the ear canal. If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick may
be applied in the ear to allow the drops to travel to the end of the canal.
Occasionally, pills may be used in addition to the topical medications.
Analgesics (止痛剂) may be used if pain is severe. Putting something warm against
the ears may reduce pain.
Protect ears from further damage. Do not scratch the ears or insert cotton
swabs or other objects in the ears. Keep ears clean and dry, and do not let
water enter the ears when showering, shampooing, or bathing.
Expectations (prognosis)
Swimmer's ear responds well to treatment, but complications (并发症) may occur
if it is not treated. Some individuals with underlying medical problems, such as
diabetes, may be more likely to get complications such as malignant otitis
externa (外耳炎).
Complications
Chronic otitis externa Malignant otitis externa Spread of infection to
other areas of the body
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your doctor if you develop any symptoms of
swimmer's ear. Call your doctor if the symptoms worsen or persist despite
treatment, or if new symptoms appear, including pain and redness of the skull
behind the ear or persistent fever.
Prevention
Dry the ear thoroughly after exposure to moisture. Avoid swimming in
polluted water. Use earplugs when swimming. Consider putting a few drops of a
1:1 mixture of alcohol and white vinegar in the ears after they get wet. The
alcohol and acetic acid prevent bacterial growth.
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