Ear Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Dr. Sümbül Bayraktar Güzeldağ said that dirty pool water can cause ear, nose and throat infections to occur more easily, the diseases to be more severe and the recovery time to be longer.
The most common problems caused by pools that are not properly cleaned in summer are external ear infections, sinusitis, throat infections and, in some cases, upper respiratory tract infections that develop together with the eyes. Medline Adana Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Dr. Sümbül Bayraktar Güzeldağ made warnings and suggestions, saying that swimming in the pools to cool off could be the beginning of an earache or a persistent infection that will last for days after returning from holiday.
Specialist Dr. Güzeldağ noted that especially children, the elderly, people with weak immune systems and people with chronic diseases are more sensitive to infections that may be caused by pools with inadequate hygienic conditions, and said, "Dirty pool water can cause ear, nose and throat infections in these people more easily, the diseases to be more severe and the healing time to be longer. Therefore, it is of great importance for people in this risk group to pay more attention to pool hygiene and not to neglect protective measures. One of the most common diseases caused by dirty pools is external ear canal infection. "The protective layer in the ear canal that is exposed to water for a long time can weaken and bacteria and fungi can easily multiply. As a result, severe pain in the ear, itching, a feeling of fullness, discharge and decreased hearing are observed. Cleaning the ear, especially by using an ear stick or drying the ear harshly, further increases the risk of infection. Infections that are not treated at an early stage can lead to more serious health problems."
Stating that when unhygienic pool water gets into the nose, it can irritate the nasal mucosa and pave the way for the development of sinusitis, Güzeldağ said, "Nasal congestion, facial pain, postnasal drip and headache are among the symptoms of this condition. At the same time, microorganisms in the pool water can affect the throat, causing difficulty in swallowing, sore throat and tonsil infections. This risk increases especially in pools with insufficient chlorine levels or those that are not regularly disinfected. It occurs after swimming." "Complaints such as earache, discharge from the ear, hearing loss, long-lasting nasal congestion, foul-smelling postnasal drip, fever or sore throat should not be considered as a simple discomfort. If these symptoms persist, a specialist should be consulted. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent the progression of infections and accelerate the healing process," he said.
Dr. said that simple precautions to be taken to protect against the health risks posed by dirty pools are of great importance. Güzeldağ made the following suggestions:
"Choose pools that are regularly maintained and comply with hygiene rules. Be sure to take a shower before entering and after leaving the pool. Dry your ears gently after swimming, do not use ear sticks. If possible, use personalized swimming earplugs. Be careful not to swallow pool water and not to get water into your nose. If you develop ear pain, discharge or hearing loss, do not self-medicate. Do not allow children to stay in dirty or poorly maintained pools for a long time. If post-pool complaints do not improve within 24-48 hours or increase, consult a specialist without delay. Apply." - ADANA