Swimmer's ear on the rise

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Summertime brings a whole new slew of illnesses doctors see in patients.  With more people in pools and lakes during the hot weather, doctors see more cases of swimmer's ear.  It is basically an infection of the outer ear canal.  The Centers for Disease control says swimmer's ear results in an estimated 2.4 million health care visits every year.

Doctors are seeing more swimmer's ear at Scott and White's Urgent Care at Hester's Crossing in Round Rock.  Dr. Clarence Williams II says it happens when bacteria gets trapped in the ear while the inside of the ear is moist.  If the swimmer's ear is bad enough, it can damage the soft tissues in the ear canal.  The first symptom is most often pain.

"Severe pain usually depending on how bad the infection is," said Dr. Clarence Williams II.  "You can even have closing off of the ear canal itself because of the swelling that you have as well."

Dr. Williams reminds patients to dry out the ear after being in the water but warns against using q-tips or cotton balls.  To treat swimmers ear, patients generally are given antibiotic ear drops.

Health alert about west nile virus

Both the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Austin-Travis County health department put out warnings this past week about West Nile Virus, a mosquito borne illness.  There has been a higher than usual number of cases in people in Texas this year because of the warm winter and recent rains.

Statewide there have been 111 human West Nile virus cases and one death reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services this year.  Most of those cases are in north Texas, but we have one case here in Travis County.  It is a good reminder to protect your family from mosquitoes.

Other things going around

Austin Regional Clinics
Dr. Christopher Collins
* Blisters
* Boils
* Bug bites
* Rashes

Texas MedClinic
* Strep throat
* Upper respiratory infection

St. David's North Austin Medical Center
Dr. Michael Nguyen
* Upper respiratory infections
* Traumatic injuries

St. David's Georgetown Hospital
Dr. Johnathan Conner
* Sinus allergies
* Sore throats
* Headaches
* Stuffiness
* Summer-related heat issues

St. David's Emergency Center
Bastrop
Dr. Corey Jones
* ATV accidents
 
Heart Hospital of Austin
Dr. Whitney Bludworth
* Dizziness/fainting
* Blood clots
* Physical injuries

St. David's Medical Center
Dr. Ann Buchanon
* Virus (nausea, vomiting, dizziness)