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DrSugar,
I have a friend who was banned from swimming as a child. She grew up with a pool in her backyard and developed a serious ear infection that landed her in the hospital. Her doctor told her that if she ever swam again she could die. Is this lifelong ban from swimming warranted? Is there such an ear infection that could kill you? I cannot imagine not swimming.
Missing Mermaid

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When you dive into the matter, swimming pools can be a mine field of dangers for adults and children alike, ranging from sunburns to dreaded cramps if you swim less than 30 minutes after eating, from skin infections or ear infections. The list of hazards also includes drowning and thermal shock. But swimming is a common form of recreation and with it come some side effects.

Outer ear infections, called otitis externa, are relatively common among aquatic athletes and those who spend a lot of time in the water. The infection is caused by bacteria or fungi, and symptoms include ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear and itching. It is generally a mild condition easily treatable with antibiotic ear drops. Common risk factors for developing an outer ear infection include swimming and diving in polluted or infected waters, such as a lake populated with waterfowl, hot and humid weather, eczema of the ears, and any trauma to the ear canal such as aggressive cleaning with cotton swabs.

While outer ear infections are usually relatively benign, there is a very small risk of developing a more serious condition known as malignant or necrotizing otitis externa. Essentially a more severe infection, it can spread to the skull or even the brain. This infection is more common in untreated outer ear infections and people with severe immunosuppresion such as diabetes. Having an outer ear infection also puts you at higher risk for developing another outer ear infection again in the future. To answer your question, it’s unclear why the doctor in this situation banned the girl from swimming forever, but she should definitely consult with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist before jumping into the pool with you.

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