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Ear Infections from Swimming

 

 

It seems that Madison has had several ear infections over the past year. My in- laws are putting in a pool, which Madison will probably spend quite a bit of time in this summer.

Should I be putting some sort of drops in her ears when she gets out of the
pool? I'm not sure ear plugs at her age would work very well. I just would
like to be prepared, so I'm not running to you more frequently with ear
infections. :) Any help you can give me would be appreciated.

Thank you again for all of your help.
Leslie J

 

 

Hi Ms. J,

You are right about the ear plugs...they will not be worth the hassle of trying
to keep them in Madison's ears. Besides, they don't necessarily prevent ear
infections, anyway.

Drops for the ears (acid alcohol) are used after swimming to prevent "swimmer's
ear" which affects the outside part of the ear, not the inside. Swimmer's ear
occurs to children and young adults that spend hours and hours physically with
their head in the water. That doesn't sound like Madison (or a lot of us, for
that matter).

That will be nice that your in-laws will have their own swimming pool. Swimming
pools are more "sterile" than ponds and lakes because of the chorine which is
added to prevent algae growth. The chlorine also helps keep bacteria and viruses
under control. So that's a good thing.

I honestly think that you and Madison can enjoy the summer and the pool, without ear plugs or drops. Just use your best judgment..."Mommy knows best".

Dr. Mike

 

 

This article was reviewed 04/23/2010 07:24 AM

 

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