The ear can be easily damaged in areas containing water. There is an increase in the amount of water escaping into the ear, especially in the pool and sea, especially in summer. This can cause ear infections. prof. Dr. Erkan Vuralkan warned about otorhinolaryngological diseases that should be considered due to the increase in pool, sea and water sports activities in the current summer period.
SYMPTOMS OF EAR INFECTION
Pointing out that the ear canal inflammation should be considered in case of pain when touching the auricle, fullness in the ear, mild fever, and pain in the ear with mouth movements, Prof. Dr. Erkan Vuralkan, “Middle ear infections; are diseases that can occur due to pool, sea, polluted water or accumulation of earwax. External ear inflammation can also occur due to both cleaning the ear too often and not cleaning it at all. The development of ear congestion after trying to clean the ear canal after contact with water may be a harbinger of earwax.
THESE PEOPLE SHOULD BE EXTRA ATTENTION
Individuals need to be very careful while showering, in environments such as the sea or pool. Those with chronic diabetes, patients receiving treatment for cancer, those with chronic diseases such as blood pressure and heart, those who have had organ transplants, those with malnutrition and AIDS patients are very sensitive to external ear infections and should be protected as much as possible in this regard.
MIDDLE AND OUTER EAR INFLAMMATION IS DIFFERENT
prof. Dr. Erkan Vuralkan shared the following information about the differences between middle and outer ear infections:
“In otitis media, there may be mild fever, cold symptoms that started before, severe throbbing ear pain and mild hearing loss. In external ear inflammation, sensitivity in the ear canal, pain in mouth and jaw movements are in the foreground. If there is a delay or disruption in the treatment, the inflammation may spread locally and complications may develop. If the sea or pool water is dirty, the risk increases similarly in both diseases. If there is a hole in the eardrum, infection easily affects the middle ear due to water. Ear discharge and hearing loss may come to the fore. In the case of a middle ear infection, fever can often be due to the common cold. Earache severity often leads the patient to the doctor.
IT CAN CAUSE MENINGITIS IF NOT TREATED
Pointing out that the timely treatment of ear infections is very important, Prof. Dr. Erkan Vuralkan said:
“In untreated conditions, the infection can spread. Especially in middle ear infections, it can lead to problems that can progress to meningitis. Although the treatment in outer ear diseases is mostly with local treatments such as drops, oral or intravenous drugs can be used in middle ear infections. The most important part is the use of painkillers. Expert opinion should be obtained for diagnosis.
USING EAR WOOD IS AMONG THE CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION
Cleaning earwax at frequent intervals with a cotton swab; Wrong movements such as trying to clean the ear canal by inserting different foreign objects such as keys, pens, paper clips into the ear are also among the causes of external ear inflammation. Because the insertion of foreign objects causes damage to the external ear canal mucosa and causes deterioration of the mucosal structure. For this reason, the formation of fungi or bacteria accelerates and infection may occur,” he concluded.