Ear Canal Problems (Swimmer's Ear): Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you think you have an ear canal infection?

See significance of an ear canal infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Is your ear canal swollen and painful?

Yes

Do you have fluid that looks like pus or that is white, yellow, or bloody draining from your ear?

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

Yes

Is the outside of your ear red or swollen?

Yes

Is the skin around or behind your ear red or swollen more than ?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have mild ear pain and itching that is worse after 3 days of home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had any ear problems for 2 weeks or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	February 13, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer