Ear infections are common . Otitis externa; acute is a condition in which infection and inflammation of middle ear takes place. The condition is referred as acute because it is painful and occurs in short periods. The condition is five times more likely to occur in swimmers as compared to non-swimmers. The infection is common in children in between the age group of 7-12 years. The infection is commonly experienced in winter season.

In the human ear, there is a tube known as eustachian tube which runs from middle ear to back of throat. The fluid which is made in the middle ear is drained by the tube. When the eustachian tube gets blocked, fluid starts building up and that eventually paves the way to bacteria and virus, causing infection.

Allergies, sinus or cold infections, overgrown adenoids, etc are some of the factors that can clog the tube. Certain factors like exposure to smoke, recent ear infection, genetic factors, etc. increase the chance of getting affected from Otitis externa; acute.

The condition can be prevented by remaining in water for lesser period of time and not getting affected by cold or allergies.