"Did Water in My Ear Lead to an Ear Infection (Otitis Media)?"

After water enters the ear, otitis media may occur due to factors such as decreased resistance of the skin of the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane perforation, eustachian tube dysfunction, and bacterial infection. Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly and undergo treatment under the guidance of a physician. Here are the details:

1. Decreased Resistance of the Skin of the External Auditory Canal:

If a patient does not wear protective gear such as earplugs or a swimming cap while swimming, sewage may enter the external auditory canal, leading to decreased resistance of the skin and making it vulnerable to bacterial infection, which can trigger otitis media. In this case, the patient can use ofloxacin ear drops or lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops under the guidance of a physician.

2. Tympanic Membrane Perforation:

If the patient already has tympanic membrane perforation, water entering the ear may directly enter the middle ear cavity, causing an inflammatory reaction and symptoms such as ear pain and discharge. The patient can take amoxicillin capsules or cefixime capsules under the guidance of a physician.

3. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction:

If the patient has eustachian tube dysfunction, the middle ear is connected to the outside world. When water enters the ear, it may pass through the eustachian tube into the middle ear cavity, causing an inflammatory reaction and symptoms such as ear pain and discharge. The patient can take cefradine capsules or roxithromycin tablets under the guidance of a physician.

4. Bacterial Infection:

If the patient already has acute suppurative otitis media, water entering the ear may exacerbate bacterial infection, leading to increased secretions. The patient can take azithromycin tablets or cefuroxime axetil tablets under the guidance of a physician.

It is recommended that patients maintain ear hygiene in their daily lives, avoid scratching the affected area with their hands frequently, and ensure adequate rest to prevent overexertion.