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What Is Swimmer's Ear?
- Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
- What Is It? & Symptoms
- Diagnosis & Expected Duration
- Prevention & Treatment
- More Info
Diagnosis
Swimmer's ear usually is diagnosed by examining the ear with a special viewing tool called an otoscope. The doctor looks for:
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Swelling or redness of the skin of the external ear canal
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Draining fluid or debris in external ear canal
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Tender lymph nodes near the ear
In rare cases, a culture of the drainage is necessary. For a culture, a sample of the draining fluid is treated in a laboratory to see what bacteria or fungi grow. Your doctor also may...
Read moreMore information on "What Is Swimmer's Ear?"
From Our Sources
Swimmer's ear
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Swimmer's ear is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. The medical term for swimmer's ear is otitis... Read more »
Swimmer's ear: chronic
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Swimmer's ear is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Chronic swimmer's ear occurs when the condition does not go... Read more »
Ear discharges or bleeding
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Ear discharge is drainage of blood, ear wax, pus, or fluid from the ear.Alternative NamesDrainage from the ear; Otorrhea; Ear bleeding; Bleeding from... Read more »
Ear Infections: Introduction
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
The ear is the organ of hearing and balance. It has three parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear.The outer ear collects sound waves, which move... Read more »
Ear tube insertion
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Ear tube insertion is the placement of tubes through the eardrums. It is done to help the fluid behind the eardrums to drain so that the ears can... Read more »
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