Otitis Externa

 Otitis Externa

Otitis externa is called swimmer's ear.

Otitis externa is inflammation of skin lining of external auditory canal.

Types of Otitis Externa

1. Acute otitis externa 

Acute otitis externa (AOE) is known as 'swimmer's ear'.

2. Chronic otitis externa

Risk Factors and Causes

1. Stagnant water in ear canal after swimming

2. Trauma in external canal

3. Bacterial infection

4. Fungal infection

5. Skin nflammation of outer ear

Clinical Manifestations

1. Drainage/ discharge from the ear

Yellow discharge, foul smelling 

2. Ear pain

3. Hearing loss

4. Itching of ear

5. Fever

6. Red, swollen ear canal

7. Pain while moving of head

Diagnostic Evaluation

1. Gram staining and culture of ear can discharge 

2. CT scan/MRI scan of head 

Management

1. Ear irrigation

Irrigated external auditory canal to remove debris, impacted wax.

2. Suctioning; Suctioning of ear canal help to keep clean, remove debris.

2. Antibiotics therapy

a. Antibiotics hydrocortisone drops; ciprofloxacin-dexamethsone otic.

b. Amoxicillin- clavulanic acid drops

c. For fungal infection; topical antifungal such as Nystatin 

3. Analgesic

NSAIDs, Acetaminophen and opioids 

4. Acidifying agent; Acetic acid otic drop

Prevention

1. Use ear protection while swimming

2. Use swimmer's ear drops used in ear after water exposure

3. Do not insert any instruments

4. Prevent ear infection

5. Keep ear dry and clean