Ear Infection While on Holiday in Split
Ear pain, pressure, itching or discharge can quickly interrupt a holiday. Learn which symptoms may indicate an ear infection and when to request an ENT examination in Split.
Do not let an ear problem spoil your holiday
Ear infections can develop suddenly. Tourists in Split may notice symptoms after swimming, diving, flying or following a respiratory infection.
Common symptoms include ear pain, a blocked or full sensation, itching, reduced hearing, discharge from the ear and irritation around the ear canal. However, similar symptoms can have different causes, so an examination is important before treatment is recommended.
An ENT specialist can inspect the ear canal and eardrum, determine whether inflammation or another problem is present and recommend appropriate treatment.
The private ENT clinic of Mr.sc. Dragan Kurtović, MD provides examinations for adults, children and international visitors in Split.
What can an ear infection feel like?
Symptoms vary depending on whether the problem affects the outer ear canal, middle ear or another part of the ear.
Ear pain
Pain may be mild at first or become increasingly intense. Touching or moving the outer ear can sometimes worsen the discomfort.
Pressure or fullness
The ear may feel blocked, full or under pressure, particularly after flying, diving or a respiratory infection.
Reduced hearing
Inflammation, fluid, swelling or earwax can produce muffled hearing or a noticeable change in hearing.
Ear discharge
Fluid or discharge from the ear should be assessed, particularly when accompanied by pain, fever or reduced hearing.
Fever or feeling unwell
Some ear infections may occur with fever, fatigue, irritability or other signs of illness.
Itching and irritation
Itching, redness or irritation around the ear canal may occur, especially with an outer ear infection.
Common holiday-related triggers
Ear symptoms during a summer holiday do not always have the same cause. A specialist examination helps distinguish between different conditions.
Swimming and moisture
Water remaining in the ear canal can create a moist environment in which irritation or an outer ear infection may develop.
Air travel and pressure
Pressure changes during a flight may produce pain, blockage or discomfort, especially when the nose or sinuses are congested.
Colds and respiratory infections
A cold or upper respiratory infection may affect the middle ear and contribute to pressure, fluid or pain.
What should you do about ear pain?
Protect the ear and avoid actions that may worsen irritation or make an accurate examination more difficult.
Recommended
- Keep the affected ear dry.
- Contact a medical professional if pain, discharge or reduced hearing is present.
- Tell the doctor about recent swimming, diving, flying or respiratory illness.
- Bring information about allergies and medicines you currently use.
- Follow the prescribed treatment for the recommended duration.
Avoid
- Do not place cotton swabs or other objects inside the ear canal.
- Do not use leftover antibiotic drops or another person's medication.
- Do not continue swimming when the ear is painful or discharging.
- Do not attempt to remove deeply positioned earwax yourself.
- Do not ignore sudden or significant hearing loss.
What happens during an ear examination?
The examination is adapted to your symptoms, medical history and the appearance of the ear canal and eardrum.
Medical history
The doctor asks when the symptoms started and whether they followed swimming, diving, flying, a cold or another illness.
Ear examination
The ear canal and eardrum are examined to look for inflammation, swelling, discharge, earwax, fluid or another possible cause.
Individual treatment
Treatment is recommended according to the examination findings. Not every type of ear pain requires the same medication.
Contact an ENT doctor if symptoms are worsening
Medical assessment is particularly important when symptoms are severe, persistent or associated with hearing changes, discharge or significant illness.
- Severe or increasing ear pain
- Fluid or discharge from the ear
- Noticeably reduced hearing
- Swelling around the ear
- Fever or feeling significantly unwell
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Symptoms after diving or trauma
- Ear pain in a young child
Ear infections and ENT appointments in Split
Practical information for tourists experiencing ear symptoms during their stay in Croatia.
Can swimming cause an ear infection?
Moisture remaining in the outer ear canal can encourage irritation and infection. This condition is often called swimmer's ear or otitis externa.
How do I know whether I have swimmer's ear?
Possible symptoms include pain, itching, irritation, discharge and reduced hearing. Because other ear conditions can cause similar symptoms, diagnosis requires an examination.
Can I continue swimming with ear pain?
It is generally sensible to keep a painful or discharging ear dry until it has been assessed and you have received individual medical advice.
Should I use antibiotic ear drops from home?
Do not use leftover or unprescribed medication without medical advice. The correct treatment depends on the cause of the symptoms and the condition of the eardrum.
Can tourists book an ENT appointment in Split?
Yes. Tourists and international visitors can contact the private ENT clinic directly to ask about appointment availability.
Does the clinic examine children?
The clinic provides ENT examinations for adults and children. When contacting the clinic, mention the child's age and main symptoms.
Where is the ENT clinic located?
ORL Ordinacija Kurtović is located at Biokovska 4, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Is ear pain affecting your holiday in Split?
Contact the private ENT clinic of Mr.sc. Dragan Kurtović, briefly describe your symptoms and ask about the earliest available examination.