Doctors in Lucknow have issued a warning about the growing number of ear infections, particularly among children, caused by frequent visits to water parks. The infections, also known as otitis externa or swimmer’s ear, occur when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, providing the ideal breeding ground for bacterial growth and leading to pain, itching, redness, and swelling. Children are especially at risk due to their smaller ear canals and tendency to spend extended periods in the water. Medical professionals have noted a surge in patients seeking treatment for ear infections, coinciding with the rise in water park visits during the summer season.
Otolaryngologist Rajesh Kapoor has called for the use of earplugs specifically designed for swimming to prevent water from entering the ear canal. Additionally, he recommends thoroughly drying the ears after swimming and using a clean towel or low-heat blow dryer on the lowest setting to gently dry ears. Head of otolaryngology at KGMU, Dr Virendra Verma, identifies spending extended periods underwater as a primary cause of increased risk and suggests using a mild, pH-balanced ear cleaning solution to prevent bacterial growth.
A former ENT surgeon from Balrampur hospital, now operating a private clinic in Aliganj, cautions against self-treatment and emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms persist. Attempting self-care measures without professional guidance may aggravate the infection and cause further complications. Water park management teams should implement measures to reduce the risk of ear infections; routine cleaning and disinfection of water facilities, including pools, slides, and splash pads, are essential to maintaining hygienic conditions for visitors.
Experts recommend park management display signs throughout the park urging guests to take precautions to protect their ears. By raising awareness and implementing preventive measures, both visitors and water park management can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during the summer season.
