Just came back from seeing my ENT-re: Equalization problem

[sytech]

My ENT told she sees no reason that I cannot dive with the caveat that I be especially careful regarding my equalization.

Regarding a liquid to use post diving she said to go to the Pharmacy and get Burrows Solution which is 2% acetic acid which is what is in vinegar.

However, she warned against using anything containing alcohol. That goes against other things I've read.

Sy

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Sy,

Well, that is good news. Happy diving.

Alcohol is included in most OTC solutions/home brews designed to prevent swimmer's ear (otitis externa) because of its drying and bactericidal effects. In the prevention of ear canal infection, these are relatively minor contributors. The chemical that carries the weight is vinegar or other pH altering chemical which acidifies the ear and makes it inhospitable to the growth of microorganisms.

By reason of its properties, alcohol can over-dry the ear canal by removing protective ear wax (cerumen) and irritating the skin, making the diver even more prone to a local infection. This is the reason why most prescription preparations do not contain any alcohol.

In any event, this is not what you had. You had fluid in the middle air space (otitis media) and that would not be affected by such drops.

You may gain an improved understanding of the issues involved by reading:

Preventing Swimmer's Ear
Doc Vikingo's Preventing Swimmer's Ear

Helpful?

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[cmalinowski]

...However, she warned against using anything containing alcohol. That goes against other things I've read.

Sy

Did you ask her why she suggests against it?

 

[sytech]

I should have mentioned that what she actually recommended was "Burrow's Solution (aluminum acetate) which is a drying agent. I guess that's what alcohol does also.

Sy

Did you ask her why she suggests against it?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi sytech,

I'm quite sure the drying and irritating properties of the alcohols typically used in OTC/home brew solutions is the basis for her caution.

Regular "Burrow's solution" is made by dissolving aluminum acetate in normal saline or just sterilized water. "Modified" solutions also are available and these may contain a variety of other chemicals, such as calcium acetate and acetic acid. Due to its astringent properties, Burrow's solution is rather good at reducing inflammation; it has antibacterial effects as well. While it can be considered a "drying agent," it doesn't reduce protective ear wax (cerumen) to the same degree as a number of alcohols.

Best of luck with it.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[DandyDon]

Good luck on your problem. Sounds like you sought the right help, and you already have a response from DocV - none better.

You might find this video helpful? Most do: The Diver's Ear: Under Pressure here