Summer children's otitis, this is how the most frequent earaches in children between 5 and 12 years old are and how to avoid them

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After a whole year of waiting for them, the holidays finally arrive, and a good part of Spaniards choose a coastal destination every summer to enjoy them.

Sun, heat, beach... it seems that nothing can spoil those long-awaited and necessary days of disconnection with the family, until suddenly

and we end up looking for a medical center where they can treat him.

If he doesn't want his rest days to be twisted in this way, I invite him to continue reading.

He will probably manage to dodge summer otitis.

Is it the same as "swimmer's ear"?

Yes, colloquially either of the two terms is used, but in reality

.

It is an infection that occurs in the external auditory canal, that is, in the part of the ear that goes

It is usually caused by bacteria or a fungus.

Why do they appear in summer?

They are typical of summer because it is the time of year when

, going in and out almost constantly to cool off.

Due to this fact, our

and that can end up irritating it and opening small

along the structure through which

can end up generating an infection.

Is there more risk for bathing in the sea or in the pool?

In the pool,

although this is something that will depend first of all on the quality of the water where we bathe.

If it is a

is measured and controlled, as is the case with those marked with

we will know that such common germs as

or

will be within safe parameters for the bath.

On the other hand, in swimming pools, the people in charge of their maintenance use elements such as sodium hypochlorite salts to keep them in good condition, but

that are resistant to purification systems.

Can they appear in adults?

Yes, perfectly, but they are

.

There are several factors that explain it, but one of the most influential is that they are the ones who usually spend the most time diving, swimming or playing in the water of the sea or the pool.

and the more likely you are to end up suffering from this annoying otitis.

What are your symptoms?

pain and itching

If these two symptoms are accompanied by

, then we must suspect that it is not simply a

since it is not a common symptom.

On examination with the otoscope we will see

, we may even observe

, and the child will complain that the pain increases when eating and when exerting pressure on the external part of the ear.

What can we do to avoid it?

Unfortunately

, because not enjoying a dip is not an option, but there are small gestures that can help us.

• Avoid bathing in contaminated water.

• Use

  protection caps

  .

  Be careful, if we already have symptoms compatible with external otitis or we are treating it, they are contraindicated.

• Dry your ears well when you get out of the water with a towel

  , no cotton swabs.

  To do this, we will tilt the head to both sides to help the water deposited in the ear canals drain out.

How can we treat summer otitis?

It is

and without a health professional previously assessing the situation individually.

Once this happens,

ear drops along with other

and inflammation in the area.

Of course, while the treatment lasts

Conforms to The Trust Project criteria

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