Ask The Experts

Category: Swimming
Subject:	swimmers ear
Question:	How to treat it? Is it safe to swim with it?

This tip rated Rated by 922 member(s).	Rate this tip: 1 2 3 4 5
Swimming gets a bad reputation with “swimmers ear”. It’s an ear infection and it can come from showering or being in the tub, washing your hair, or walking around in the rain with your ear tilted up to the side – which is weird, but a possibility. Swimmers Ear is when water gets into the ear, brings bacteria or fungal bits with it, and gets stuck in the ear cannel. When stuck, those bits of bacteria and fungi can spread and grow and cause an infection. You may recognize this when it happens because the ear feels (or sounds) blocked, it might itch a bit, it might ooze some milky liquid, and/or the ear might be sensitive to the touch. The body will battle this infection naturally and from that you might feel some swelling the glands of the neck or in the lymph node under your jaw. Water often gets into the ear while swimming but simple drains back out soon after. There are over the counter remedies to solve swimmers ear or you can mix up a batch of at-home remedy with some rubbing alcohol (check the web for ingredients – but ask your doctor first). If infections are frequent as your doctor about a preventative oily mixture that I’ve heard people place in their ears before swimming – or go to an ear plug. Do not try and solve with a swab. Jamming a Q-tip down your ear is never a good idea and won’t help get water out either. All the best, Ian Ian Murray ACMEcoaching.com
Ian Murray
This Coach's average rating: Rated 12074 times.

Home | Gear | Calendar | Races | Events | Places | Groups | Tips
Ask the Coach | Member Area | Photo Gallery
 
Copyright © 2003 - 2006 by go-tnt.com. All rights reserved.

Users of this web site acknowledge that participation in sports training and events can lead to property damage and physical injury. Go-TNT users, their heirs and assignees, agree to hold GO-TNT, it's principals, and staff blameless in the event of such injury, damage or death. GO-TNT does not provide medical advice and does not warrant the accuracy or effectiveness of information posted here. Users are encouraged to consult medical and coaching professionals for guidance, assistance, and treatment.

 Designed & Hosted by Vision Technologies Group