Earache is one of the most common conditions people suffer from at least once in their lives. What most people don't know, however, is that earache is just the general term for either of the two conditions of ear infections: the otitis externa (more commonly known as “swimmer's ear”) and the otitis media. Of the two, the former is the more common, and is usually what most people refer to when they have an ear infection.

Lending Your Ears

Otitis externa is an inflammation on the outer ear (hence “externa”) and the ear canal. The inflammation can be due to several reasons: it can be from dermatitis, or an infection caused by a bacteria or microbe. In both cases, the skin in the canal swells and become painful when touched.

Infections happen when water dilutes the acidity in your ear lining that usually protects it from bacteria and fungi. Normally, water flows in out of your ear without any problems. Your ear's shape tips the fluid out; that's why you can nearly always bathe, swim, or frolic in the rain without a problem, even though your ear's opening is large and deep. However, there are times when excess moisture assaults your ears, resulting in water getting trapped in your ear canal. The skin inside your ear becomes soggy and the acidity that is normally present in the lining becomes diluted. When the lining is cut, either accidentally or through an injury, bacteria can penetrate your skin, causing the familiar pain and swelling that is called swimmer's ear. When there is an inclusion of eardrum rupture, swimmer's ear is then called otitis media.

Otitis externa can be acute or chronic. Acute otitis externa is usually microbial in nature, and involves infection. It can occur suddenly, get worse, and is usually alarmingly painful. In the worst cases, the infection can spread to the jaw joint and the facial tissues that surround the parotid gland, making chewing a painful experience. Chronic otitis externa, on the other hand, is usually non-microbial and is the result of chronic dermatitis or irritation from cleaning the canal, often with swabs or Q-tips. Chronic otitis externa may or may not be painful. Mild swelling, itching, and seepage can also be present.

The signs and symptoms associated with swimmer's ear usually manifest within a few days after exposure to whatever irritant is causing the infection. The symptoms may include:

• Severe pain, which is experienced when you move your outer ear, or when you push the tragus (the little bump that is in front of your ear);
• Over all discomfort in or around the affected ear;
• Itching on the outer ear;
• Feeling of stuffiness in the ear;
• Pus draining from the ear;
• Temporary decreased hearing.

Getting Rid of an Ear Infection

In order to fully get rid of the ear infection, you have to address the infection itself. Here are a couple of things you can do to that end:

Prevention

It is easy to prevent getting ear infection. Unlike other diseases, contracting ear infection is totally under your control. Here are some tips to avoid getting swimmer's ear infection:

Your ear is a very vital organ. Without it, your world will be a much livelier place. While ear infections are mostly curable and are rarely serious, it is still better to avoid them altogether. Take care of your ear, and you will continue hearing the beauty of the world for a long time to come.