My brother says he's got swimmer's ear. What is it?

What causes this?

Otitis externa (known as 'swimmer's ear') is a condition that causes inflammation of the external ear canal. It is called 'swimmer's ear' because it can sometimes be caused by water getting inside your ear canal.

It usually causes an intense itch inside the ear canal, often with a watery discharge. However, it's not usually serious and can be easily treated with eardrops and painkillers.

Otitis externa can also be caused by an infection or an allergic reaction to something that comes into contact with the external ear canal, though in many cases, the cause is unknown.

You can take steps to avoid it and prevent it from recurring:

Do not insert cotton buds or other objects into your ears. Wax works its way out naturally and cotton buds should only be used to sweep around the outer ear.

If earwax build-up is a problem, have it removed by a healthcare professional.

Keep your ears dry and clean and try not to let water, soap or shampoo get inside them. After washing, dry your ears using a hairdryer on a low setting. Never push the corners of a towel into your ears because this can cause damage.

If you swim regularly, wear a hat that covers your ears or use ear plugs.

WHAT is a 'greenstick' fracture?

This is a fracture which occurs in children when the bone partly fractures on one side but does not break completely because the rest of the bone is able to bend. This is because young bone is softer than adult bone.

The main risk of a greenstick fracture is that it could go undiagnosed. It is often possible to put weight on the limb, although it may be painful and swollen.

If a child falls or takes a hard knock and complains of being in a lot of pain, he or she should be taken to hospital to rule a greenstick fracture out, especially if the injury site swells rapidly.

Failure to treat the fracture could result in a very painful infection and permanent damage to the site. Most greenstick fractures heal completely after being reduced and placed into a cast.

WHAT is pharyngitis?

A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, such as the common cold. In around a third of cases, no cause for the sore throat can be found.

Other symptoms may accompany the sore throat, such as a runny nose, cough, headache and muscle aches.

Sore throats are common, especially among children and teenagers. Most sore throats are not serious and pass within three to seven days without the need for medical treatment. After a week, 85% of people will find their symptoms have been resolved. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, can usually relieve a sore throat without the need to see a GP.