Swimmer’s Ear

Overview

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.

Products & Services

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.