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<div class="HwContainer HwElement" id="HwContainer"><a class="HwMainSkipNavigation" href="#HwContentTitle"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Skip Navigation</span></a><div class="HwBlock" id="HwMain" role="main"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar1"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomSidebar"> </div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnContent"><div id="HwContentTop"> </div><div class="HwTypeSymptom HwContentWrapper HwElement" role="article" id="HwContentWrapper"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentTop"> </div><div class="HwContentHeader"><p><a name="top" id="Hwtop"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Top of the page</span></a>Check Your Symptoms</p></div><div class="HwContentTitle"><h1 id="HwContentTitle" tabindex="-1">Ear Canal Problems (Swimmer's Ear)</h1></div><div class="HwContentTopNavigation"> </div><div class="HwContent"><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw87616"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="b4cb0a40" fingerprint-exact="e7c3d1bb">Overview</h2> <p fingerprint="d17daf23" fingerprint-exact="81391e56">Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is a painful inflammation and infection of the <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="hw141827" data-hw-section="hw141827-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="hw141827" data-hwid="hw141827" hw:section-href="hw141827-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=hw141827#hw141827-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">ear canal</span></a>. It causes the ear canal to look red and swollen. The ear canal may be narrower than normal and is tender when the outside of the ear is gently pulled up and back.</p> <p fingerprint="5c8afc62" fingerprint-exact="26ffe1ea">Swimmer's ear may occur when water, sand, dirt, or other debris gets into the ear canal. This can damage the protective layer of the ear canal, which may lead to inflammation. It gets its name because it often occurs when excess water enters the ear canal. If you've had swimmer's ear in the past, you are more likely to get it again.</p> <p fingerprint="957893d6" fingerprint-exact="74786c54">A rare but serious infection called malignant external otitis can develop if bacteria invade the bones inside the ear canal and spread to the base of the skull. But not many people get this infection. It's mainly seen in older adults who also have <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="std120744" data-hw-section="std120744-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="std120744" data-hwid="std120744" hw:section-href="std120744-sec" href="?id=std120744#std120744-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">diabetes</span></a>, people who have <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sth149894" data-hw-section="sth149894-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sth149894" data-hwid="sth149894" hw:section-href="sth149894-sec" href="?id=sth149894#sth149894-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">HIV</span></a>, and children who have <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sti150889" data-hw-section="sti150889-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sti150889" data-hwid="sti150889" hw:section-href="sti150889-sec" href="?id=sti150889#sti150889-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">impaired immune systems</span></a>. But it can be fatal. Symptoms may include severe ear pain with drainage, loss of movement in part of the face, swelling, and breakdown of the skin in the ear canal. Antibiotics are used to treat this infection.</p> <p fingerprint="077f42cb" fingerprint-exact="725264ab">Other causes of inflammation or infection of the ear canal include:</p> <ul fingerprint="fd3f0cf4" fingerprint-exact="523591ef"> <li>Allergies.</li> <li>Bony overgrowths in the ear canal called exostoses.</li> <li>Bubble baths, soaps, and shampoos.</li> <li>Cleaning the ear canal harshly or with a sharp object.</li> <li>Headphones inserted into the ear.</li> <li>Scratching the ear canal with a cotton swab, bobby pin, fingernail, or other sharp object.</li> <li>Skin problems, such as <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123386" data-hw-section="sta123386-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123386" data-hwid="sta123386" hw:section-href="sta123386-sec" href="?id=sta123386#sta123386-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">eczema</span></a>, <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1931" data-hw-section="stp1931-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1931" data-hwid="stp1931" hw:section-href="stp1931-sec" href="?id=stp1931#stp1931-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">psoriasis</span></a>, or <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sts14415" data-hw-section="sts14415-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sts14415" data-hwid="sts14415" hw:section-href="sts14415-sec" href="?id=sts14415#sts14415-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">seborrheic dermatitis</span></a>.</li> <li>Sweating.</li> </ul> <p fingerprint="3ce24443" fingerprint-exact="d889ee5b">You are more likely to get swimmer's ear if:</p> <ul fingerprint="38780638" fingerprint-exact="9d581b4c"> <li>You have a very narrow or hairy ear canal.</li> <li>You have earwax stuck in the ear canal (impacted) because you often use cotton swabs that may push the ear wax deeper into the ear canal.</li> </ul> <p fingerprint="60717d06" fingerprint-exact="3ad5dca5">Symptoms can include itching, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Your ear canal may be swollen. You may have moderate to severe pain, drainage, or hearing loss. The pain is worse when you chew, press on the bump (tragus) in front of the ear, or wiggle your earlobe. This is different from the pain of a middle ear infection (<a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="ste139568" data-hw-section="ste139568-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="ste139568" data-hwid="ste139568" hw:section-href="ste139568-sec" href="?id=ste139568#ste139568-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">acute otitis media</span></a>).</p> <p fingerprint="3c76328f" fingerprint-exact="006098fa">You may be able to prevent swimmer's ear. Symptoms often get better or go away with home treatment.</p> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionCYS" id="sec-hw87630"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="1bc87b1b" fingerprint-exact="d719d6f6">Check Your Symptoms</h2><div><div class="HwAsset" hw:assetid="swear"> <div id="HwSxBody" data-hw-version="1.0.0.0"><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion HwSxTopicConfirmationQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion607" data-hw-entity-key="607" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have a problem with the ear canal?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">This includes problems like fluid in the ear after swimming.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1314" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1314" data-hw-parent-entity-key="607">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Ear canal problem</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1315" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1315" data-hw-parent-entity-key="607">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Ear canal problem</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxAge" id="HwSxQuestion31" data-hw-entity-key="31" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">How old are you?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxAgeResponse" id="HwSxAnswer72" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer" data-hw-age-range="143"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="72" data-hw-parent-entity-key="31">Less than 12 years</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Less than 12 years</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxAgeResponse" id="HwSxAnswer73" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="73" data-hw-parent-entity-key="31">12 years or older</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">12 years or older</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxNonTopic" id="HwSxQuestion30" data-hw-entity-key="30" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are you male or female?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxGenderResponse" id="HwSxAnswer71" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="71" data-hw-parent-entity-key="30">Male</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Male</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxGenderResponse" id="HwSxAnswer70" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="70" data-hw-parent-entity-key="30">Female</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Female</div></div></div><div id="SxWhyAskDiv"><button id="SxWhyAskAccordianBtn" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="SxWhyAskBodyDiv" type="button" aria-live="assertive"><div class="SxWhyAskAccordion">Why do we ask this question?</div><div class="SxWhyAskAccordion SxWhyAskAccordionArrow_Down" id="SxWhyAskAccordionArrow"> </div></button><div id="SxWhyAskBodyDiv" role="tabpanel"><div class="SxWhyAskParaChild" id="SxWhyAskHeaderDiv" tabindex="-1"><h4>The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.</h4></div><div class="SxWhyAskParaChild" id="SxWhyAskParaDiv" tabindex="-1"><ul><li>If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you <b>now</b> have in the area where you are having symptoms.</li><li>If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.</li><li>If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as "male" and once as "female"). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.</li></ul></div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion609" data-hw-entity-key="609" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf7097">symptoms of an inner ear infection</a>?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1318" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1318" data-hw-parent-entity-key="609">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Symptoms of inner ear infection</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1319" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1319" data-hw-parent-entity-key="609">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Symptoms of inner ear infection</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion608" data-hw-entity-key="608" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Have you had an injury to your ear in the past week?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">The ear can be injured by a direct hit, a very loud noise (like a gunshot or firecracker), or an object being pushed into the ear.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1316" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1316" data-hw-parent-entity-key="608">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Recent ear injury</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1317" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1317" data-hw-parent-entity-key="608">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Recent ear injury</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion610" data-hw-entity-key="610" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf7098">symptoms of an infection in the ear canal</a>?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1320" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1320" data-hw-parent-entity-key="610">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Symptoms of ear canal infection</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1321" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1321" data-hw-parent-entity-key="610">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Symptoms of ear canal infection</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion17" data-hw-entity-key="17" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you think you may have a fever?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer40" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="40" data-hw-parent-entity-key="17">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible fever</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer41" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="41" data-hw-parent-entity-key="17">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible fever</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion39" data-hw-entity-key="39" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have diabetes?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer91" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="91" data-hw-parent-entity-key="39">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Diabetes</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer92" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="92" data-hw-parent-entity-key="39">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Diabetes</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion748" data-hw-entity-key="748" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have a health problem or take medicine that weakens your immune system?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">What weakens the immune system in an <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf6944">adult or older child</a> may be different than in a <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf6964">young child or baby</a>.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1614" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1614" data-hw-parent-entity-key="748">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Disease or medicine that causes immune system problems</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1615" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1615" data-hw-parent-entity-key="748">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Disease or medicine that causes immune system problems</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion611" data-hw-entity-key="611" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have any new hearing loss?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1322" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1322" data-hw-parent-entity-key="611">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">New hearing loss</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1323" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1323" data-hw-parent-entity-key="611">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">New hearing loss</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion612" data-hw-entity-key="612" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Was the hearing loss sudden and complete?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1324" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1324" data-hw-parent-entity-key="612">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Sudden and complete hearing loss</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1325" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1325" data-hw-parent-entity-key="612">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Sudden and complete hearing loss</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion603" data-hw-entity-key="603" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf7099">vertigo</a>?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1306" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1306" data-hw-parent-entity-key="603">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Vertigo</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1307" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1307" data-hw-parent-entity-key="603">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Vertigo</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion613" data-hw-entity-key="613" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Is the vertigo making it hard to stand or walk?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1326" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1326" data-hw-parent-entity-key="613">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Hard to stand or walk</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1327" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1327" data-hw-parent-entity-key="613">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Hard to stand or walk</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion614" data-hw-entity-key="614" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Have you had vertigo for more than a week?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1328" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1328" data-hw-parent-entity-key="614">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Vertigo for more than 1 week</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1329" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1329" data-hw-parent-entity-key="614">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Vertigo for more than 1 week</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion606" data-hw-entity-key="606" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Have you had any ear symptoms for more than a week?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1312" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1312" data-hw-parent-entity-key="606">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Ear symptoms for more than 1 week</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1313" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1313" data-hw-parent-entity-key="606">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Ear symptoms for more than 1 week</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdhealthrisks"><p>Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:</p><ul><li><b>Your age</b>. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.</li><li><b>Your overall health</b>. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.</li><li><b>Medicines you take</b>. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.</li><li><b>Recent health events</b>, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.</li><li><b>Your health habits and lifestyle</b>, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_green" id="HwSxIdgreen"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Try Home Treatment</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.</li><li>Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swear" data-hw-section="hw87690" hw:section-href="hw87690" hw:document-href="swear" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swear#hw87690">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swear" data-hw-section="swear-RelInfo" hw:section-href="swear-RelInfo" hw:document-href="swear" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swear#swear-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf7099"><p><b>Vertigo</b> is the feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. It may feel like spinning, whirling, or tilting. Vertigo may make you sick to your stomach, and you may have trouble standing, walking, or keeping your balance.</p></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf7098"><p><b>Symptoms of an infection in the ear canal</b> (swimmer's ear) may include:</p><ul><li>Pain, especially when you touch your ear, wiggle your earlobe, or chew.</li><li>Redness or swelling in the ear canal.</li><li>Drainage from the ear.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf7097"><p><b>Symptoms of an inner ear infection</b> may include:</p><ul><li>Pain deep in the ear. (External ear infections may itch or hurt in the outer part of the ear, but not deep in the ear.)</li><li>Fever.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf6944"><p>Certain health conditions and medicines <b>weaken the immune system's</b> ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:</p><ul><li>Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.</li><li>Long-term alcohol and drug problems.</li><li>Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.</li><li>Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.</li><li>Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.</li><li>Medicines taken after organ transplant.</li><li>Not having a spleen.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf6964"><p>Certain health conditions and medicines <b>weaken the immune system's</b> ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in children are:</p><ul><li>Diseases such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and congenital heart disease.</li><li>Steroid medicines, which are used to treat a variety of conditions.</li><li>Medicines taken after organ transplant.</li><li>Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.</li><li>Not having a spleen.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_yellow" id="HwSxIdyellow"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Seek Care Today</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, <b>you may need care soon</b>. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.</li><li>If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today.</li><li>If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.</li><li>If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swear" data-hw-section="hw87690" hw:section-href="hw87690" hw:document-href="swear" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swear#hw87690">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swear" data-hw-section="swear-RelInfo" hw:section-href="swear-RelInfo" hw:document-href="swear" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swear#swear-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_black" id="HwSxIdblack"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Make an Appointment</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.</li><li>If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.</li><li>If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swear" data-hw-section="hw87690" hw:section-href="hw87690" hw:document-href="swear" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swear#hw87690">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swear" data-hw-section="swear-RelInfo" hw:section-href="swear-RelInfo" hw:document-href="swear" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swear#swear-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_red" id="HwSxIdred"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Seek Care Now</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, <b>you may need care right away</b>. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.</li><li>If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.</li><li>You do not need to call an ambulance unless: <ul><li>You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.</li><li>You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.</li></ul></li></ul></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxTitle" id="HwSxTitleearp4" data-hw-section="hw90389">Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older</div><div class="HwSxTitle" id="HwSxTitleeari3" data-hw-section="hw89612">Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger</div></div></div></div></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw87690"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="1d4dc8a4" fingerprint-exact="5c91135b">Self-Care</h2> <p fingerprint="39a63764" fingerprint-exact="7045afc8">Some home treatment can help mild swimmer's ear. Do not put eardrops or anything else in the ear unless your doctor has told you to. Try the following tips to help mild swimmer's ear.</p> <ul fingerprint="54ba16a6" fingerprint-exact="b7aa2a81"> <li>Rinse out your ear. <p>Gently rinse your ear using a bulb syringe and a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Make sure the flushing solution is body temperature. Inserting cool or hot fluids in the ear can make you dizzy.</p></li> <li>Try eardrops. <p>If your ear is itchy, try nonprescription swimmer's eardrops, such as Swim-Ear. Use them before and after you swim or get your ears wet. Read and follow all instructions on the label, and learn <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="zm6165" data-hw-section="zm6165-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="zm6165" data-hwid="zm6165" hw:section-href="zm6165-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=zm6165#zm6165-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">how to insert eardrops safely</span></a>. </p></li> <li>Take over-the-counter medicines to reduce pain. <p>Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.</p></li> <li> <b>Do not use ear candles</b>. <p> They have no proven benefit in the removal of earwax or other objects in the ear. And they can cause serious injury.</p></li> </ul> <p fingerprint="05fe988b" fingerprint-exact="6b695e01">If you are concerned that your symptoms are more serious, you may need to check with your doctor.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="c5b2b5b7" fingerprint-exact="1ca93d88">When to call for help during self-care</h3> <p fingerprint="0c6430b7" fingerprint-exact="37647145">Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home: </p> <ul fingerprint="f2a2fb41" fingerprint-exact="81eda1e8"> <li>New or worse bleeding or drainage.</li> <li>New symptoms, such as hearing loss or dizziness.</li> <li>The ear canal or skin around the ear becomes red, swollen, itchy or painful.</li> <li>Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.</li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="c9d246df" fingerprint-exact="236ac716">Learn more</h3> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwSecLinks"> <p fingerprint="5b88c69b" fingerprint-exact="82c27f2e"> <b>Over-the-counter medicines</b> </p> <ul fingerprint="aa2234ba" fingerprint-exact="9682ed94"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="sid41443" data-hw-section="acq7537" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="sid41443" data-hwid="sid41443" hw:section-href="acq7537" href="?id=sid41443#acq7537">Acetaminophen</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="pl1003" data-hw-section="acq7563" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="pl1003" data-hwid="pl1003" hw:section-href="acq7563" href="?id=pl1003#acq7563">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="ad1205" data-hw-section="ad1206" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="ad1205" data-hwid="ad1205" hw:section-href="ad1206" href="?id=ad1205#ad1206">Quick Tips: Safely Giving Over-the-Counter Medicines to Children</a> </li> </ul> <p fingerprint="6de8e89d" fingerprint-exact="1ae05b26"> <b>More self-care</b> </p> <ul fingerprint="edc2a334" fingerprint-exact="09851fed"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="MedicalTest" data-hw-document-href="hw222815" data-hw-section="hw222818" hw:document-type="MedicalTest" hw:document-href="hw222815" data-hwid="hw222815" hw:section-href="hw222818" href="?id=hw222815#hw222818">Ear Examination</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="acn6587" data-hw-section="acl1429" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="acn6587" data-hwid="acn6587" hw:section-href="acl1429" href="?id=acn6587#acl1429">Using Cold and Heat Therapies</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="ffd3beac" fingerprint-exact="500b4a26">Watch</h3> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwMediaLinks"> <ul fingerprint="56149359" fingerprint-exact="664d547c"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="acg8250" data-hw-section="acg8250-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="acg8250" data-hwid="acg8250" hw:section-href="acg8250-sec" hw:link-type="video" href="?id=acg8250#acg8250-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Here's Help: How to Give Your Child Eardrops</span><br><img class="HwMediaImage" data-hw-resource-path="media/thumbnails/acg8250_416x312.jpg" hw:resource-path="media/thumbnails/acg8250_416x312.jpg" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.3/en-us/media/thumbnails/acg8250_416x312.jpg" width="416" height="312" alt hw:release-quarter="14.3"></a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw87727"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="e957cf0e" fingerprint-exact="9f06dbb7">Preparing For Your Appointment</h2> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwSecLinks"> <p fingerprint="9351063e" fingerprint-exact="ae0777b1">You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared for your appointment.</p> <ul fingerprint="b41d9a77" fingerprint-exact="dafa4155"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="hw226888" data-hw-section="acm4246" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="hw226888" data-hwid="hw226888" hw:section-href="acm4246" href="?id=hw226888#acm4246">Making the Most of Your Appointment</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionRelatedInformation" id="sec-swear-RelInfo"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="d5f858e0" fingerprint-exact="c0ffe04b">Related Information</h2><ul fingerprint="a03795b9" fingerprint-exact="c9eb1b85"><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="earwx" data-hw-section="hw91119" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="earwx" data-hwid="earwx" hw:section-href="hw91119" href="?id=earwx#hw91119">Earwax</a></li><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="obear" data-hw-section="hw98375" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="obear" data-hwid="obear" hw:section-href="hw98375" href="?id=obear#hw98375">Objects in the Ear</a></li></ul></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwCreditsSection HwSectionCredits" id="sec-swear-Credits"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle">Credits</h2><div class="HwContentInformation"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span> September 27, 2023</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</span></a><br><span><b><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Clinical Review Board</span></a></b></span><br>All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentBottom"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigation"><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:block" id="secNav-hw87616"><div class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swear" data-hw-section="hw87630" id="nextLink-hw87630" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="swear" data-hwid="swear" hw:section-href="hw87630" href="?id=swear#hw87630">Check Your Symptoms</a><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true"> »</span></div><div class="HwClear"> </div></div><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:none" id="secNav-hw87630"><div class="HwContentNavigationPrev"><p>Previous Section: </p><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true">« </span><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Symptom" 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