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Swimmer's ear - chronic
Definition:
Swimmer's ear is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Swimmer's ear usually responds to treatment, but a small number of cases become chronic. This means the infection does not go away, or it comes back multiple times. See also swimmer's ear - acute. Text Continues Below
Alternative Names:
Ear infection - outer ear - chronic; Otitis externa - chronic
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is fairly common. It consists of inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Swimming in polluted water is one way to contract swimmer's ear. Moisture predisposes the ear to infection from water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Other bacteria, or rarely, fungus, can also cause infection. Swimming is not the only cause, however -- the condition can be caused by scratching the ear or an object stuck in it. Chronic swimmer's ear may result from inadequate treatment, or may suggest the presence of a disease in underlying bone, a complication called malignant otitis externa.
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