How to prevent otitis media in children when swimming

Swimming is a healthy sport, not only children but also adults enjoy this activity, especially in hot weather. However, many people are susceptible to ear infections when swimming, especially young children.

Swimming can easily cause ear, nose and throat infections if not properly prevented (Illustration photo)

Mr. Vu Van Viet in Nguyen Trai commune has a child with otitis media who needs to be treated at the Pediatrics Department ( Hung Yen Provincial General Hospital). He shared: “My child is 8 years old. During the summer break, the weather is hot and humid, so he often goes swimming with his friends. After a week, he complained of earache and a slight fever. The family took him to the hospital for examination. The doctor diagnosed him with otitis media and swimming could be the main cause of this condition.”

NHC (10 years old, residing in An Binh quarter, Pho Hien ward) went swimming while having a sore throat and runny nose. After 3 days, the child showed symptoms of fever, headache, stuffy nose, tinnitus, and ear discomfort. After an ear endoscopy at Hung Ha General Hospital, the doctor diagnosed the child with otitis media.   According to Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Hoc, Hung Ha General Hospital, the main cause is the previous runny nose causing nasal discharge to go back to the ear. Along with the fact that the pool water is not cleaned properly, it creates favorable conditions for bacteria to grow, causing ear infections.

According to Dr. Hoc, since the beginning of summer, the number of cases of ear diseases caused by swimming coming to the hospital for examination has increased. Of which, otitis externa is common in adults, otitis media is common in children. Adults, when bathing, often put dirty hands with pathogens up to clean their ears. Due to the structure of the Eustachian tube and   children's resistance is weaker   So in an environment with contaminated bathing water, there is a higher risk of otitis media. Anyone can get ear infections when swimming, but children are more likely to get the disease than adults.

Doctor's advice for otitis media

To prevent otitis media when swimming in the summer, Dr. Hoang Thi Thuy, Deputy Head of Pediatrics Department (Hung Yen Provincial General Hospital) recommends: When swimming in hot weather, you should use earplugs or ear protection covers. While swimming, avoid choking on water and limit water from entering your nose and throat. In addition, choose swimming pools with clean water sources to avoid ear contamination and ear infections...

Visiting pediatric patients being treated at Hung Yen Provincial General Hospital

Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Hoc, Hung Ha General Hospital noted that to prevent otitis media, cleaning the ears after swimming is extremely necessary. It is necessary to dry the ears by taking a clean cotton ball and placing it gently in the external ear canal for about 3-5 minutes, the cotton swab will automatically absorb the water out. If water gets into the ear, tilt your head, then pull the earlobe back to create a straight path for the water to flow out. It is necessary to clean the eyes, nose, and throat with saline after swimming to avoid rhinitis, pharyngitis, and otitis media.

“People with a history of otitis media, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis should limit swimming because the disease is very likely to recur. When the ear feels itchy, uncomfortable, watery, has a yellowish discharge, or is painful to the touch, the patient should go to a medical facility for timely treatment,” Dr. Hoc emphasized.

Ngoc Bich - Thu Trang

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/cach-phong-tranh-viem-tai-giua-o-tre-khi-di-boi-3182443.html