If you're planning to go swimming anytime soon, it might be a good idea to keep a close watch on your child's ears.
Doctors say that during the summer there is an increase in the number of patients with "swimmer's ear, a painful but common infection.
On a typical beach day there are more then a few things you need to protect the kids. "Everything you could imagine, towels extra sun block for the lips, a lot of people forget about the lips," says Kiera Dunlap, a mother.
But Dunlap has never considered what might be happening inside her kids’ ears while they splash along the shore.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection inside the ear canal that causes painful redness and swelling. It can be caused by bacteria.
"We are fortunate I've heard about it but it's never happened to us," says Dunlap.
Ear Nose and Throat Doctor Vien Phommachanh says it could happen to anyone after just one dip in the water.
"The moisture from the water and the heat can cause an infection in the ear," says Phommachanh.
He says it's more common in people who produce more than average ear wax or who have narrow ear canals like kids do. It requires antibiotics to treat.
"It can cause complete blockage of the ear canal because it can swell shut," says Phommachanh.
But don't jump out of the water for good. There are inexpensive steps you can take to prevent an infection.
"There are over the counter vinegar-based treatments to avoid swimmer's ear," says Phommachanh.
But the doctor warns these are not to cure an infection that's already developed. He says the best way to avoid the pain and swelling is pay close attention to the inside of your little swimmers' ears.
Swimmer's ear is most common in 5 to 7-year-olds but anyone can get it. A lot of people are quick to reach for a q-tip right after a swim, but doctors say to avoid that; it can actually scratch the skin inside the ear and cause an infection.
(Information courtesy NBC News)
