With the onset of the bathing season, calls to the doctor with problems associated with the ears, does not become less. In contrast to the winter period, when cold and viral diseases become the main reasons for visiting the ENT, the ears suffer from water during bathing in the summer, which can lead to serious consequences: inflammation, otitis, and even abscesses.
What can I do if I put my ear in water? First of all, you should immediately consult a doctor. But sometimes situations arise when this is impossible. Then you need to help yourself on your own.
Structure
The ear is a complex system consisting of three departments:
- External ear.
- Middle ear.
- The inner ear.
The external part consists of the auricle and the auditory tube. The eardrum is located behind the eardrum. If there is no damage, then water can not enter this department. The inner ear of a person is responsible for the work of the vestibular apparatus and the auditory system.
Water in the ear. How to get rid?
Help depends on which department the liquid has entered. So, when water enters the outer ear, a person has a feeling that it is poured, like in a vessel. In this case, it is necessary to tilt the head in such a way that the ear canal assumes an upright position. Water must flow 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, you need to press your hand tightly against your ear, creating a vacuum layer, and release it sharply.
Divers and divers do not have a question about how to remove water from the ear. They are very helpful in very entertaining way. Collecting air into the lungs, they blow out water. In this case, the nose should be closed( just clamp it with your hand).
Another of the simplest mechanical methods that help with the problem of how to remove water from the ear is as follows: the victim is laid on the pawned ear and asked to perform swallowing movements. The surface must be as level as possible.
If at hand was cotton wool, then it can be twisted into flagella and inserted into the ear, so that the water 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 can contain dirt or pathogens. Therefore, always treat the ear with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. This will significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Dry heat
Sometimes, when water enters the ear, pain can occur. When pain occurs, a warm pad filled with sand should be applied to the problem site. If you do not have one at hand, you can use a piece of tissue or a handkerchief with warm salt, tied in a bundle. As an option - attach a heating pad. Thanks to such manipulations, the heated liquid will flow much faster.
Any of these methods is effective if the water does not penetrate the eardrum. Usually in a healthy person it serves as a kind of barrier. But sometimes it happens that the liquid does not flow out. Then it is worth turning to LOR, who will tell you exactly how to remove water from the ear.
Otitis
Fluid is delayed in people who are prone to the formation of plugs from sulphurous deposits or to chronic ear illnesses. A person who has suffered such an ailment as otitis can have damage to the tympanic membrane in the form of cracks or holes. Because of this, water during bathing easily penetrates into the middle ear.
If fluid enters the middle compartment, then headache, nausea, and rarely vomiting often occur. The only option in this situation is to consult a doctor. Before the visit, a number of measures should be taken to prevent the development of complications:
- Immerse an anti-inflammatory drug or insert a swab soaked in a medicine. You can use boric alcohol. But there is one important condition: the preparation needs to be slightly heated.
- Be sure to apply a warm compress to the damaged ear.
- In case of pain, it is recommended to take any pain killer.
Prevention
Diseases of the ears bring a lot of trouble, so it is worthwhile to carry out preventive measures before swimming, especially in open water:
- Swim in a special rubber cap.
- Avoid situations where water can enter the ear, for example, dive less.
- You can lubricate the entrance to the auricle with vaseline, then the question of how to remove water from the ear, will not arise.
- Take advantage of the earplugs for bathing.
These simple steps will help you avoid many problems that could spoil your vacation. Now you know how to remove water from the ear, so even diving is not terrible. Be boldly poisoned for new impressions and be healthy!