Infections in the outer ear cause a lot of stress, regardless of age. If you or someone you love suffers from them, let Southwest Mississippi ENT help. Our team of experts specializes in diagnosing and treating outer ear infections so you don’t have to live in pain or struggle with your hearing. You don’t have to suffer from ear pain and discomfort—our experts in our McComb office are here to help. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Learn more about outer ear infections and contact us today for relief.
What Is an Outer Ear Infection?
An outer ear infection, also called otitis externa or swimmer’s ear, is an infection that occurs in the outer ear canal. The outer ear canal is a tube that runs from the outside of the ear to the eardrum. Infections in his area can cause pain, swelling, and itching. Eventually, the pain and discomfort in the ears make it difficult to enjoy life.
What Causes Outer Ear Infections?
Outer ear infections can result from a variety of factors. The most common cause is prolonged exposure to moisture. Moist and damp ears are an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow, increasing the risk of an infection. Because swimmers spend a lot of time in the water, they are prone to developing an outer ear infection. Another common cause is inserting objects like cotton swabs too deep into the ear. This can cause damage to the skin in the ears and make your outer ear canal susceptible to germs. Lastly, allergies and skin conditions like eczema are also risk factors that can cause outer ear infections.
What are the Symptoms of an Outer Ear Infection?
Outer ear infections have a variety of symptoms and the severity varies from one patient to another. The most common symptom of an infection in the outer ear canal is ear pain. The pain and discomfort also worsen when you touch or pull on your ear. Swelling, itching, and redness in the ear canal are also very common symptoms to look out for. If the swelling is so severe that it blocks the ear canal, you might even experience hearing difficulties. Fluid discharge from the affected ear is also pretty common. If you experience any of these symptoms in varying degrees of severity, seek medical attention from your doctor.
Southwest Mississippi ENT Can Expertly Diagnose Outer Ear Infections
At Southwest Mississippi ENT, our team is dedicated to accurately diagnosing outer ear infections. We take a thorough approach, starting with a comprehensive examination. Using an otoscope, we’ll carefully inspect your ear canal to check for signs of redness, inflammation, or fluid discharge. Along with evaluating your symptoms, their severity, and your medical history, we will work to pinpoint the right diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. With our years of expertise, you can trust that you’re in capable hands.
We Offer Comprehensive Treatments for Outer Ear Infections
Based on our diagnosis and the severity of your condition, we will tailor a personalized treatment plan for you, keeping in mind your unique needs. For mild cases of outer ear infections, over-the-counter medications should suffice. The patient should also make sure to keep their ears dry. For more severe cases, prescription medication may be more appropriate. Antibiotics and antifungal treatments may help resolve the infection in these instances. Additionally, ear pain and discomfort may be better managed with over-the-counter relievers. If our care providers find it necessary, cleaning your ear canals may be recommended to remove debris and allow medications to work more efficiently.
Ear Health Is Important to Your Overall Well-Being
Healthy ears are an essential component of your overall health and well-being. The ability to hear plays a vital role in daily life. More than that, healthy ears are important for your balance. Any pain or discomfort in the ears can be a nuisance and get in the way of life. It would be best for your health to prevent ear infections and treat ear damage immediately. Scheduling regular check-ups with ENT specialists and following their advice on caring for your ears will prevent severe ear infections and issues.
Southwest Mississippi ENT Is Your Go-To Ear Care Provider
At Southwest Mississippi ENT, we take pride in providing the highest quality of care for ear, nose, and throat conditions. Our team of experts navigates outer ear infections with years of experience and state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies. We make sure to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each of our patient’s unique needs and preferences. We are deeply committed to providing efficient pain relief and keeping your hearing intact. At the heart of our practice is compassionate care and we are committed to providing it for each of our patients in the McComb and the surrounding areas.
