Otitis is an inflammatory process of viral or bacterial origin that affects the ear. There are two types: otitis media and otitis external. The latter is also known as swimmer’s ear infection, as it occurs more frequently during the summer season. External otitis, when severe, manifests as intense ear pain accompanied by reddening of the outer part of the ear and a sensation of heat in the affected area. On this occasion, Dr. Francisco Salaverry, otolaryngologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, offers us some advice to prevent this condition.

5 tips to avoid otitis

External otitis usually appears in those people who are in contact with water, since the accumulation of this plus the heat can cause the proliferation of germs and cause infection, which can become very uncomfortable and last for a week. To prevent this from happening, it is important to take into account the following recommendations:

1. Dry the ears well with a towel after swimming
2. Do not introduce foreign bodies into the ear or swabs
3. To expel the water from the ears it is advisable to tilt the head for a few seconds to one side and to the other
4. Wear earplugs when swimming to prevent water from entering the ear
5. Do not bathe in polluted water

Remember that if you have ear pain it is better to go to the specialist. One must always differentiate well between common acute otitis media in winter and common external otitis in summer, in order to provide the appropriate treatment.

Dr. Francisco Salaverry
Otolaryngologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma