Assessing If You Should Workout with an Ear Infection
Working out with an ear infection can be an uncomfortable experience full of uncertainty. An ear infection leads to inflammation and buildup of fluids that press on the eardrum. This often generates pain and muffled hearing. Determining if physical activity will worsen symptoms or delay healing depends on the type and severity of infection.
Risk Factors of Exercising with an Ear Infection
Several risks exist when engaging in physical activity while experiencing an ear infection:
- Increased inflammation and pain
- Partial or full rupture of the eardrum
- Development of nausea, dizziness or loss of balance
- Spreading of the infection deeper into ear structures
- Prolonged duration of infection and recovery
Infection Location Impacts Workout Viability
Where an ear infection manifests affects whether exercising can take place without negative repercussions. The most common locations include:
- Outer ear canal - Swimmer's ear
- Middle ear space behind eardrum
- Inner ear housing balance mechanisms
Infections of the delicate inner ear are the most risky for physical activity due to balance and positioning challenges. Swimmers ear may allow for cautious, less intense workouts in some cases.
Consider Infection Severity Before Exercising
Mild ear infections may permit light exercise based on individual pain tolerance. However, moderate and severe infections often rule out physical exertion as symptoms intensify. Seeking prompt medical treatment helps shorten moderate infections. Intense infections with high fever call for rest until infection clears.
Precautions for Working Out with an Ear Infection
When prudently working out with an ear infection:
- Choose low intensity exercise to limit inflammation
- Avoid activities causing imbalance or falls
- Stop immediately if pain or dizziness develops
- Protect ear from contact, sweat or getting wet
- Stay well hydrated and limit workout duration
Appropriate Low-Impact Exercise Options
If determined safe to exercise with an ear infection, restrict activity intensity. Suitable choices include:
- Walking - outdoors or treadmill
- Stationary cycling - upright or recumbent bike
- Low-intensity elliptical training
- Basic mat pilates and yoga
- Stretching
- Light strength training with no straining
Avoid High-Intensity Workouts and Balance Poses
While managing an ear infection, steer clear of:
- Running, competitive sports, heavyweight training
- High-impact aerobics with jumping
- Rapid dance movements
- Advanced yoga postures
- Gymnastics, basketball, tennis
- Water sports and swimming
Recovery Promotion While Exercising with an Infection
Medications to Treat Underlying Infection
Seeking appropriate medical treatment speeds recovery when working out with an ear infection. Based on examination, a physician may prescribe:
- Oral antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Corticosteroid ear drops to reduce swelling and pain
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
- Decongestants and antihistamines for fluid drainage
- Eardrops to fight fungal or viral infections
Supportive Self-Care for Symptom Alleviation
To supplement medical intervention, be sure to:
- Apply warm compresses to ease pain
- Use OTC ear drops for temporary numbing
- Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration
- Get ample rest between light exercise sessions
- Avoid irritants like loud noises, tobacco smoke
Implementing these remedies while cautiously working out can help resolve ear infections sooner.
When to Stop Exercising with an Ear Infection
Cease working out immediately if you experience:
- Intensified ear pain, pressure or thumping
- Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Muffled hearing or ringing ears
- Vision issues like blurred sight
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever over 101 Fahrenheit
See a doctor promptly if severe symptoms emerge for evaluation and proper treatment. Recovering fully before resuming exercise reduces complications.
FAQs
What types of exercise are safest with an ear infection?
Low-impact activities like walking, stationary cycling, mat pilates, yoga, stretching, and light strength training are best while recovering.
Can swimming worsen an ear infection?
Swimming should be avoided as the water pressure and potential fluid contamination risks worsening most ear infections.
How can I relieve ear infection pain when working out?
Warm compresses, OTC numbing drops, oral pain medication, corticosteroid eardrops, staying hydrated, and sufficient rest between exercise sessions can alleviate pain.
When should I stop a workout with an ear infection?
Immediately cease if pain intensifies, hearing worsens, dizziness or balance problems occur. Seek prompt medical help for severe symptoms like vision issues or high fever.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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