A 32-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 3-day history of itching, pain, and a sensation of fullness in her right ear. She reports that the pain has become progressively worse, especially when chewing or touching the ear. She also mentions that she recently returned from a beach vacation where she swam in the ocean for several hours. The patient denies any fever, hearing loss, or drainage from the ear.

On examination, the patient is afebrile and appears in mild discomfort. The right ear canal is swollen and erythematous with some discharge, which is clear and watery. The tympanic membrane is visible and appears normal. Tenderness is noted when the tragus is palpated, and the ear canal is slightly narrow due to swelling. The left ear is normal on examination.

A diagnosis of otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) is made, likely due to prolonged moisture in the ear canal after swimming. The patient is prescribed ear drops containing antibiotics and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, along with recommendations to keep the ear dry and avoid further water exposure. A follow-up appointment is scheduled in one week to assess progress.

This case highlights a typical presentation of otitis externa, which is commonly caused by bacterial infection following water exposure, leading to symptoms of ear canal inflammation and discomfort.