With the onset of the bathing season, calls to the doctor with problems associated with the ears do not become smaller. Unlike the winter period, when the main reasons for visiting the ENT are colds and viral diseases, in the summer the ears suffer from water when bathing, which can lead to serious consequences: inflammation, otitis media, and even abscesses.
What to do if you put your ear in water? First of all, you should immediately consult a doctor. But sometimes situations arise when this is not possible. Then you need to help yourself.
Structure
The ear is a complex system consisting of three departments:
- Outer ear.
- Middle ear.
- Inner ear.
The outer section consists of the auricle and the auditory tube. The middle ear is located behind the eardrum. If there is no damage, then water cannot get into this section. The inner ear of a person is responsible for the work of the vestibular apparatus and auditory system.
Water in the ear. How to get rid?
Help depends on which section the fluid has penetrated. So, when water enters the outer ear, a person has a feeling that it overflows, as if in a vessel. In this case, it is necessary to tilt the head so that the auditory tube takes a vertical position. Water should flow out under the influence of gravity. To improve the result, you can jump several times on one leg.
Another method based on the principle of the pump is also very effective in the event of a problem of this nature. To do this, firmly press your palm to your ear, creating a vacuum layer, and release it sharply.
For divers and divers, there is no question of how to remove water from the ear. They are very helpful in a very entertaining way. Gathering air into the lungs, they blow water. In this case, the nose should be closed (just hold it by hand).
Another of the simplest mechanical methods that help with a problem with how to remove water from the ear is as follows: the victim is placed on the stuffy ear and asked to make swallowing movements. The surface should be as flat as possible.
If there is cotton wool at hand, then you can twist it into flagella and insert it into the ear so that the water is absorbed into the soft material. Important! Do not use cotton buds, this can lead to damage to the membrane, injuries and complications.
It is also worth considering the following: water may contain dirt or pathogens. Therefore, be sure to treat the ear with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. This will significantly reduce the risk of developing an infection.
Dry heat
Sometimes when water enters the ear, pain can occur. If pain occurs, a warm pad filled with sand should be applied to the problem area. If this is not at hand, you can use a piece of cloth or a handkerchief with heated salt, tied in a knot. As an option - attach a heating pad. Thanks to such manipulations, the heated liquid will flow out much faster.
Any of these methods is effective if water has not penetrated the eardrum. Usually in a healthy person, it serves as a kind of barrier. But sometimes it happens that the liquid does not leak. Then you should turn to the ENT specialist, who will tell you exactly how to remove water from your ear.
Otitis
Fluid lingers in people who are predisposed to the formation of plugs from sulphurous deposits or to chronic ear diseases. A person who has undergone an ailment such as otitis may have damage to the eardrum in the form of cracks or holes. Because of this, bathing water easily penetrates the middle ear.
If the fluid has got into the middle section, then often there is a headache, nausea, less often vomiting. The only option in this situation is to see a doctor. And before the visit, a number of measures should be carried out aimed at preventing the development of complications:
- Instill an anti-inflammatory drug or insert a swab dipped in the medicine. Boric alcohol can be used . But there is one important condition: the drug needs to be slightly warmed up.
- Be sure to apply a warm compress to the damaged ear.
- For pain, it is recommended to take any painkiller.
Prevention
Ear diseases bring a lot of trouble, so it is worthwhile to carry out preventive measures before swimming, especially in open waters:
- Bathing should be in a special rubber cap.
- Avoid situations where water can get into the ear, for example, dive less.
- You can lubricate the entrance to the auricle with petroleum jelly, then the question of how to remove water from the ear will not arise.
- Use earplugs for swimming.
These simple steps will help you avoid many problems that can ruin your vacation. Now you know how to remove water from your ear, so even diving is not terrible. Feel free to get poisoned for new experiences and be healthy!