Table of contents:
- What causes watery ears?
- 1. Enter the water after bathing or swimming
- 2. Middle ear infection
- 3.Infection of the outer ear (Swimmer's ear)
- 4. Trauma
- When to see a doctor
- How to treat watery ears?
- 1. Antibiotic drugs
- 2. Pain relievers
- 3. Surgery
- How to prevent watery ears?
Watery ears are one of the most common ear problems for many people. This problem is generally caused by earwax fluid that is allowed to build up. However, watery ears can also be caused by more serious problems that require special treatment from a doctor. What are the possible causes and how to treat watery ears? Check out the following reviews.
What causes watery ears?
A watery ear or otorrhea is a discharge from the ear. Quoted from the American Family Physician, this condition can be divided into two, namely:
- Acute watery ears, which is the condition lasts for less than six months
- Chronic watery ears, which is a condition that lasts more than six weeks
Otorrhea can occur due to earwax that is excreted by the body, or water that flows out again after swimming or bathing. If this was the case, it would be completely harmless in nature.
However, there are other causes that may require medical attention. These causes include infection or injury. For more details, see the following explanation.
1. Enter the water after bathing or swimming
This is the most common cause of watery ears. When bathing or swimming, water may also flow into the ear canal and fill the empty space in the middle ear that should only be filled with air.
Even though it's trivial, the ear that is drenched in water should not be allowed to linger. The trapped water gradually creates a moist environment suitable for a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that cause ear infections.
The solution, tilt your head so that the outside of your ears is facing your shoulders and shake your head until water can come out. If that doesn't work, hold your head still on your side, gently pull the water in your earlobe and keep shaking it. Try a variety of other powerful tricks to overcome water ingested ears.
2. Middle ear infection
Middle ear infection (otitis media) is the most common cause of acute watery ears. Otitis media occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the middle ear, which is where the eardrum is. Ear infections in this area can cause fluid to build up behind the eardrum.
When too much fluid builds up as a result of an infection, the risk of perforation of the eardrum increases. Eardrum perforation is the rupture of the eardrum as a result of a build-up of fluid pushing it hard. The fluid can pass through the eardrum and will then flow out of the ear.
Common symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, sore or full ears, headache, hearing problems, and discharge from the ear (yellow, clear, or bloody discharge).
3.Infection of the outer ear (Swimmer's ear)
If you are a swimmer or like to swim, swimmer's ear infection, aka external ear infection or otitis externa, is an ear problem you should be aware of. The cause was none other than the ear that had taken in the water.
Moist conditions in the ear due to water can increase the risk of bacteria and viruses multiplying, causing inflammation. Term swimmer's ear itself appears because this condition is more often experienced by people who often swim and leave their ears wet and damp.
Some signs and symptoms of ear infections swimmer's ear among others, the outer part of the ear is swollen, reddish and feels hot, feels pain or discomfort, itching in the ear canal, to discharge or pus so that the ear feels like it is constantly watering.
4. Trauma
Apart from a bacterial or viral infection, watery ears can also be the result of physical trauma. For example, when you clean your ears use a cotton swab and push the stick too deep to pierce the eardrum. This can cause the eardrum to burst or tear, allowing fluid to leak out.
In addition, accidents that cause head injuries can also cause cerebrospinal fluid to leak out of the ear.
When to see a doctor
You should see a doctor immediately if your ear starts to discharge suddenly (not after swimming in water, for example). This is even more so if you've been draining fluids for more than 5 days. Sometimes the discharge of ear fluid caused by infection can be accompanied by fever symptoms.
The following are signs and symptoms that may make you need medical attention:
- Severe pain
- The discharge is white, yellow, clear, or bloody
- Red ears
- Swollen
- Hearing begins to decline
If you have had an accident or injury, then fluid comes out of the ear, you also need to immediately see a doctor to check for this condition.
Your doctor may take a sample of your ear fluid and send it to a laboratory for examination.
How to treat watery ears?
How to treat watery ears varies, depending on the cause. In general, there are several ways that are given if the ears are watery, namely:
1. Antibiotic drugs
The medicine given is an antibiotic (if the infection is due to bacteria) which the doctor prescribes to treat the main cause of the watery ear.
If you have a yeast infection, you may be given an acetate solution for less severe infections. Most fungal infections that cause watery ears are given topical antifungal medications such as clotrimazole.
In some cases, such as in otitis media, this antibiotic can also be given orally (oral medication) if needed.
2. Pain relievers
Ear infections can cause excruciating pain in the ear. Therefore, painkillers are also given to overcome this complaint. This medicine is given to control the pain that is felt during the infection.
Given pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which can be used to reduce pain due to ear inflammation with symptoms of watery ears. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) can also be used to reduce pain.
3. Surgery
In severe cases, if there is a lot of ear fluid that keeps coming out, medical surgery can be done. An abscess filled with pus in the ear is cut using a special needle to drain the pus until it dries.
If the discharge occurs as a result of trauma, other treatments are performed depending on the individual's condition. If a tear is found in the eardrum due to an accident or trauma, the doctor will provide special treatment by patching the torn part. These patches will cover the eardrum as it heals.
How to prevent watery ears?
Most ear infections that cause runny ears are caused by viruses. So, stay away from people who are sick and make sure your child has been immunized.
Also, do not put anything inside the ear, including cotton swabs, pencils, or other hard objects. Use earplugs, such as ear plugs, to protect yourself from loud noises.
Meanwhile, otitis externa can be prevented by making sure your ears are dry after swimming or bathing. Wear earplugs to prevent water from getting into your ears.
