External otitis (otitis externa, "swimmer's ear") is a common childhood problem.
This term refers to the inflammation of the external auditory canal, usually resulting from the ingress of water into the ear while swimming and bathing, as reported by the Internet publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. net Small children with external otitis may complain of itching and earache, especially at the moment of touch or head movements.
Reddening and swelling of the auditory canal is sometimes accompanied by a decrease in hearing. From the infected ear may appear yellowish discharge.
To make a diagnosis, it is enough to consult a pediatric ENT doctor who, with the help of a otoscope, can easily detect inflammation. To treat external otitis, ear drops are prescribed, containing antibiotics, antifungal, local anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
The child's ear canal should be kept dry and clean.
"The swimmer's ear in the summer becomes a frequent reason for visiting the clinic. When water enters the auditory canal, a bacterial or fungal infection can develop which is accompanied by pain, discomfort and liquid discharge. Very painful when touched to the ear from the outside, "says Nina Shapiro, head of the Children's Otolaryngology Department at Mattel Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.
If your child once developed otitis externa, care should be taken to prevent ear infections in the future.
To avoid trouble in the pool, insert special earplugs for swimming. After prolonged contact with water, 70% ethyl alcohol can be poured into both ears. A mixture of 70% ethyl alcohol and 6-8% vinegar wine in a ratio of 1: 1.
After swimming and bathing, carefully dry both ears, leaving no dirty water in the ear canal, which can cause infection.
To do this, both a normal bath towel and a hair dryer are suitable, which can be turned on in a weak mode and held for a few minutes approximately 30 cm from the baby's ear.
American doctors do not advise using a cotton swab to remove water due to the risk of injury to the tympanic membrane.
When symptoms of external otitis should always consult a doctor, and before a visit to the clinic you can drip a child without prescription drops with anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic effect, such as Otisol.
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