I've got water in my ears: what should I do? Is it dangerous?
External otitis is very common in summer since it is the time of year when we swim the most in the sea or in the pool.
BarcelonaGetting water in your ears isn't serious, this is the first thing Fran Fernández Segura, a family doctor at the CAP la Paz in Barcelona, makes clear, but it can be annoying. "The external ear is like a tube, and when water gets in it at the beach or in the pool, it will come out naturally," he explains. If it takes a while or bothers us, we can use a towel to dry the ear or move our head. However, under no circumstances should the ear be manipulated by inserting objects or cotton swabs "because it can become inflamed and we can introduce bacteria."
In fact, otitis externa is very common in summer, as it's the time of year when we spend the most time in the sea or pool, and spending many hours in the water predisposes us. Otitis externa is an inflammation, usually caused by a bacterial infection., of the skin of the external auditory canal that can spread to adjacent areas and is characterized by causing intense pain.
What causes otitis media?
This family doctor explains that manipulating the ear canal (using sticks, for example) can inflame the ear and cause pain. The entry of bacteria can also cause discharge and pain. People with recurrent otitis media are often advised to use earplugs to prevent water from entering when bathing, but Fernández Segura points out that if you're not prone to the condition, "you shouldn't do anything because manipulation alters the flora and bacteria can enter."
How is it treated?
Treatment for bacterial otitis consists of administering drops of a solution that combines an antibiotic with a topical corticosteroid, and oral paracetamol and ibuprofen help reduce pain and inflammation. It's a good idea to avoid contact with water while you have otitis media.
Other ear-related ailments
In summer, which is also a time when we fly more often or go on mountain hikes, it's common to notice sudden changes in atmospheric pressure in our ears. "When there's a change in atmospheric pressure, the body senses it, and the ear tries to balance it with the Eustachian tube. When it doesn't have time to balance, that's when we notice our ear is blocked or that we don't feel well," explains this professional.
What can we do?
It's a discomfort that can be avoided or resolved with simple measures. During landing or takeoff, we can help the ear achieve this balance by chewing gum or swallowing saliva. If we have a cold and nasal congestion, we'll notice it more and can rinse with saline beforehand. While it's a common discomfort and not serious, if it doesn't improve or worsens, it's recommended to consult a primary care professional.