Summer First Aid Lesson | What to Do If Ears Get Inflamed After Water Activities?
Swimming pools and water parks have become children’s favorite destinations
Parents take their kids to cool off
Enjoying the refreshing summer moments
But unexpected ear issues may arise!
Cause 1: Earwax Impaction
Earwax (cerumen) softens and expands when soaked in water, leading to blockage. This may cause hearing loss or ear pain.
Cause 2: Ear Inflammation
Studies show excessive moisture in the outer ear alters its microbial environment, triggering otitis externa. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain in the ear canal, especially when pulling the earlobe or pressing the tragus.
How to Determine If a Child Has Otitis Media?
When the eardrum is intact, water remains in the outer ear and cannot reach the middle ear, thus not causing otitis media.
Two exceptions:
1.History of otitis media with perforated eardrum**: Water and bacteria may enter the middle ear, causing infection.
2. Upper respiratory infections: Choking on water during swimming allows bacteria to travel via the Eustachian tube into the middle ear. Symptoms include hearing loss, fever, and ear pain.
Summer Ear Protection Tips for Water Activities
1. Choose swimming venues with proper hygiene standards to avoid bacterial/viral infections.
2. Avoid swimming during upper respiratory infections or active ear diseases. Resume only 2 weeks after recovery with medical approval.
3. Wear waterproof earplugs and swim caps to prevent water entry.
4. Control breathing during swimming and avoid rough play to prevent choking.
5. Gently dry ears with a tissue immediately after swimming to reduce moisture retention.
6. If water enters the nose, blow it out gently one nostril at a time. Avoid forceful blowing to prevent contaminated water from flowing into the middle ear.
7. If water enters the ears:
Single-leg hopping method: Tilt the head to the affected side and hop on the corresponding leg to drain water via gravity.
Ear-pressing method: Press the palm against the affected ear or pull the earlobe to break water surface tension and allow drainage.
Summer fun comes with hidden risks.
Prioritize safety while enjoying water activities.
Protect your ears while having fun!
If a child experiences sudden ear pain (with or without systemic symptoms), seek immediate care from an ENT specialist.
