Swimmer's Ear - Chronic
Alternate Names : Ear Infection - Outer Ear - Chronic, Otitis Externa - Chronic
Definition
Swimmer's ear is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Swimmer's ear usually responds to treatment, but a small number of cases become chronic. This means the infection does not go away, or it comes back multiple times.
See also swimmer's ear - acute.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is fairly common. It consists of inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Swimming in polluted water is one way to contract swimmer's ear. Moisture predisposes the ear to infection from fungus or water-loving bacteria such as pseudomonas. Swimming is not the only cause, however -- the condition can be caused by scratching the ear or an object stuck in it.
Chronic swimmer's ear may result from inadequate treatment, or may suggest the presence of a disease in underlying bone, a complication called malignant otitis externa.
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