YOUR QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

What is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear is caused by an inflammation of the outer ear canal and is usually caused by an infection, which may be bacterial or fungal. Typical symptoms include redness and swelling of the skin of the ear canal and itchiness, especially in the early stages. As it progresses, the ear can become extremely sore and painful, and as the canal becomes more inflamed hearing may also be affected.

To help prevent it, wear a tight-fitting cap that completely covers your ears whenever you swim. Using ear plugs will also greatly reduce the chance of water ingress. After swimming, dry any water in your ears using a hairdryer on a low setting and follow up with an acidifying ear spray (such as ‘Earcalm’), which temporarily enhances the ear canal’s natural acidity, inhibiting any bacterial growth.

What’s the lymphatic system?

Arteries and veins are the motorways of the body, swiftly carrying all the stuff we need for life to where it’s needed, while also carrying some of the waste products to be removed or recycled. The lymphatic system is similar but can be thought of as the

B-roads of the body. This network of vessels helps drain fluid away from tissues in the body, returning it to the main venous system in one of the large veins close to the heart. This is why damage to the lymphatic system can cause swelling in the affected area.

According to one study, endurance training improves not just lymph flow during exercise but also at rest. This suggests that appropriate exercise can improve the function of the lymphatic system and support immunity allowing you to train more consistently throughout the season.