Ear infection - ok to swim?

[bessie26]

just found out today that DD1 (2.11) has an ear infection, but forgot to ask if she would still be ok to swim or if that would make it worse - any ideas?

[belgo]

Don't take her. Warm swimming pool water, with all the bugs in it from wee, mucus etc, will not be good if it gets in her ears as her ears will be more vulnerable at the moment.

[dikkertjedap]

No, as belgo said too many germs plus ears should be kept dry which is difficult when swimming (also let her wear ear plugs in bath or ensure that no water enters her ears). I found that for pain relief ibuprofen is a lot better than paracetamol based suspensions (in case she is in a lot of pain). Saline sprays (I like Sterimar most) for blocked nose can also help (the quicker nasal passages are freed up the smaller the chance of aggravating the ear infection as it can start draining).

[bessie26]

Thanks for info, I thought swimming wouldn't be a good idea, but didn't think to ask at the time & was surprised the nurse we saw didn't mention it. I think DD1 will be overjoyed that she won't have to have her hair washed for a while!!

I've just started giving her neurofen instead of Calpol today as the nurse said it would be better for reducing the inflammation & for bringing down her temp.

How will I know that it's cleared up? Do I just wait until I've finished the drops (7-10 days) & if she seems happy assume it's all cleared up ok? (& go swimming again)

[dikkertjedap]

What type of drops? Ear infection can take a good 7-10 days to clear up. I think that once she has no fever, can blow nose easily (i.e. draining well), feels well in herself, you might want to take her swimming again. If in any doubt you could ask your GP to have a quick look at her ears. If you have been prescribed decongestant drops (Otrivin kids) which is brilliant to help get rid off stuffy nose, then do not take them longer than 2-3 days in a row (GP will probably have told you) as with prolonged use it can cause a very bad flare up. So, they are brilliant (like sinutab for adults) but only use briefly.

[bessie26]

They are Locorten Vioform. It says they should last 7-10 days. We don't have any decongestant drops.

We usually go swimming on a Sunday & Monday, she started the drops on Friday, so we definitely won't swim this week, but will hopefully be ok for the week after when she will have just about finished them.

Her temp has come down a bit today & she was alot happier, but is still off her food so I think she'll be having another day of neurofen tomorrow, which will please her!

[DeWe]

You can put cotton wool in the ears for washing hair. We have to do that for ds as he's got grommets. When he was about 2yo he saw me washing my hair and said "don't forget to put clouds in your ears".