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Ear fungus often causes discomfort and itching in the ear, and can even affect hearing if not treated immediately. This condition is often experienced by people who often swim, work in humid environments, or have a habit of cleaning their ears with foreign objects.
Ear fungus, or in medical terms called otomycosis, is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by the growth of fungus. Types of fungi that are often the cause include, Aspergillus and Candida.
Fungal ear infections usually develop slowly and do not always cause fever, unlike bacterial infections. If not treated immediately, this infection can damage ear tissue and cause hearing loss.
Symptoms of Ear Fungus to Watch Out For
Ear fungus can cause various complaints. Here are some of the main symptoms to look out for:
- Persistent itching in the ear canal
- Mild to moderate pain in the ear
- Thick, white, yellowish, or blackish discharge from the ear
- Hearing feels blocked, which can even decrease if there is an infection worsening
- Redness and swelling in the ear canal area
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
These symptoms will usually worsen if not treated promptly. Infections that are left too long can also spread to the tissue around the ear.
Causes and Risk Factors for Ear Fungus
The following things can increase the risk of ear fungus:
- Frequent swimming, diving, or bathing for too long so that the ears are often damp.
- Cleaning the ears with foreign objects, such as cotton buds, paper clips, or matches, which can injure the skin of the ear.
- Having a history of skin disease in the ear area, for example eczemaor psoriasis.
- Using hearing aids that are rarely cleaned, so that the conditions inside the ear remain moist.
- Experiencing a decreased immune system, for example due to diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or the use of immune-lowering drugs.
How to Treat and Prevent Ear Fungus
Here are some steps you can take to treat and prevent ear fungus:
1. Consult an ENT doctor
See an ENT specialist immediately if you experience symptoms of ear fungus. The doctor will examine the condition of the ear, clean the ear canalfrom fungus and dirt, and determine the appropriate type of treatment. Proper treatment can help prevent complications, such as hearing loss or the spread of infection.
2. Use antifungal medication according to the doctor's prescription
Treatment of ear fungus generally uses antifungal ear drops, such as clotrimazoleor miconazole. This medication should be used as directed by a doctor. Do not stop treatment prematurely, even if the symptoms feel better, so that the infection is completely cured.
3. Keep your ears clean and dry
After bathing or swimming, dry your ears with a clean towel. Avoid using cotton budsor other objects to clean the inside of your ears, as they can injure the skin and trigger recurrent infections. Make sure the ear area stays dry, especially if the surrounding environment is humid.
4. Control diseases that reduce immunity
If you have a disease that can reduce your immune system, such as diabetesor HIV/AIDS, try to keep the disease well controlled. That way, the risk of infection, including ear fungus, will be lower.
5. Avoid using drugs carelessly
Do not use ear drops or traditional herbs without a doctor's instructions. Improper treatment can worsen the infection or cause other, more serious complications.
It's important to remember that ear fungus cannot be cured by simply cleaning it at home or using over-the-counter medication. If left untreated, the infection can progress and cause permanent hearing problems.
If you need further advice or treatment, consult directly through the Chat with a Doctorfeature in the ALODOKTER app. For more severe symptoms, such as drastic hearing loss or high fever, you can also use the Make a Doctor's Appointment feature for an in-person examination at the hospital.
Label : Health
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