Swimmer’s Ear

A provider will examine your ears for redness, swelling or other signs of damage. If you have drainage coming from your ears, providers may take a sample of the fluid to determine what caused the infection. This is valuable information because bacterial infections and fungal infections require different treatments.

What can be mistaken for swimmer’s ear?

It’s easy to confuse swimmer’s ear with a middle ear infection — another common childhood condition. Typically, kids with a middle ear infection have pain that gets worse when laying down. They might also develop vomiting, diarrhea or a decreased appetite.

These two conditions require different treatments. What works for swimmer’s ear won’t work for a middle ear infection, and vice versa. That’s why it’s so important to see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.