Avoid Swimmer's Ear and Water-Related Illness this Summer!
Summer means heading to splash pads, lakes, the beach, or even the backyard kiddie pool. But before you jump in, it's important to be aware of common water-related illnesses and how to prevent them. Learn expert tips to keep yourself and loved ones safe in this WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Brad Thompson, MD, with Cone Health LeBauer HealthCare at Grandover Village.
Understanding and Preventing Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear is a common ailment that can put a damper on your water activities. Think of your ear canal as a tiny tunnel where water can get trapped. This warm, damp environment is an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria, leading to that familiar itchy, painful infection.
How to prevent swimmer's ear, especially in kids:
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Tilt and Drain: After swimming, tilt your head and allow water to drain for 15-30 seconds.
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Dry the Exterior: Gently dry the outside of the ear.
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No Internal Objects: Crucially, do NOT put anything inside the ear, like Q-tips. This can push water and debris further in, exacerbating the problem and potentially packing down earwax, which can trap more water.
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Drying Drops: For frequent swimmers, over-the-counter drying drops can be very effective in ensuring the ear canal is thoroughly dry.
Open Wounds and Water: A Risky Combination
For a cut, scrape, or even a new tattoo, avoid entering any body of water until the skin is fully healed. An open sore acts as a "welcome mat" for bacteria, providing a direct pathway into your system and potentially leading to serious illness. While a waterproof bandage offers minimal protection, the safest approach is to wait for complete healing. This applies to pools, lakes, and oceans alike.
Splash Pads and Kiddie Pools: Hidden Dangers
Splash pads and public fountains are popular with kids, but they come with their own set of risks. One of the biggest concerns, especially for young children, is a chlorine-resistant parasite called Crypto (Cryptosporidium). Ingesting this parasite can cause watery diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Key advice for splash pads:
Even your backyard kiddie pool, while seemingly safer, poses a risk because it lacks filters and chlorine.
Kiddie pool safety:
Accidental Ingestion of Water: When to Worry
It's not uncommon to accidentally swallow some pool or lake water. A small amount is usually not a problem, but certain pathogens can make you sick.
Symptoms to watch for:
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Diarrhea
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Abdominal cramping
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Vomiting
If these symptoms occur, particularly within the first day or two, it's crucial to contact your primary care provider. While mild symptoms may resolve on their own, persistent or worsening conditions warrant medical evaluation.
Navigating Natural Waters: Lakes and Oceans
Natural bodies of water like lakes and oceans require extra vigilance.
Precautions for natural waters:
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Observe the Water: Use your eyes! Avoid murky or stagnant water, or water with thick, scummy surfaces.
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Protect Open Wounds: As mentioned, do not enter with any open wounds.
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Shower After: Always shower off after swimming in a lake or the ocean to rinse away any dirt, grime, or potential bacteria.
Rashes after swimming are often mild and may resolve with over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone. However, if a rash persists or worsens, seek medical attention.
The Myth of Eating Before Swimming
A very heavy meal followed by immediate strenuous swimming could lead to abdominal cramping. However, for most people and typical meals, it's generally safe to swim after eating.
You'd have to be eating an "eighth hot dog and then swimming multiple laps" for it to be a significant concern!
Next Steps
When you choose a Cone Health-affiliated primary care physician or advanced practice provider, you gain a long-term partner in health. Your PCP gets to know you, your health history and your personal goals as you visit regularly for preventive care and treatment of a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions.
