How would you describe otitis externa on an exam?
The key physical finding of OE is pain upon palpation of the tragus (anterior to ear canal) or application of traction to the pinna (the hallmark of OE). Examination reveals erythema, edema, and narrowing of the external auditory canal (EAC), and a purulent or serous discharge may be noted (see the image below).
What is the complication of otitis externa?
Potential complications of otitis externa include malignant otitis externa, mastoiditis, osteomyelitis, and intracranial spread. Malignant otitis externa is an extension of OE into the mastoid and temporal bones.
What is the cardinal symptom of otitis externa?
Otitis externa (OE) is a common occurrence in the pediatric age group. The predominant symptom of acute OE is ear pain, often severe, and sometimes accompanied by clumpy otorrhea. Chronic OE may result in conductive hearing loss and often presents symptomatically with itching as a precursor of pain.
What are the two types of otitis externa?
Its different forms include acute diffuse otitis externa, circumscribed otitis externa, chronic otitis externa, and malignant (i.e., necrotizing) otitis externa.
Is otitis externa painful?
Acute otitis externa is easily diagnosed by signs and symptoms of canal inflammation. Maximum symptoms develop quickly, usually over 24-48 hours. Pain can be excruciating, and the degree correlates with the severity of the condition.
How can you tell the difference between otitis externa and otitis media?
Otitis means inflammation of the ear. The inflammation is usually due to an infection. Otitis externa means that the inflammation is confined to the external part of the ear canal and does not go further than the eardrum. See separate leaflet called Ear Infection (Otitis Media), for an infection of the middle ear.
Who is at risk for otitis externa?
Damage to the ear canal as a result of excessive scratching, the use of cotton ear swabs or long-term use of earbuds, for example, may increase the risk of otitis externa. Skin conditions. In addition to seborrhoeic dermatitis, skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis, can make otitis externa more likely.
What is the main cause of otitis externa?
The most common cause of otitis externa is a bacterial infection, although fungal overgrowth is a principal cause in 10 percent of cases. 4 Otitis externa can also result from any of a broad range of noninfectious dermatologic processes.
What aggravates otitis media?
A respiratory infection, such as cold or flu. Allergies. Exposure to cigarette smoke. Infected or overgrown adenoids (tonsils)
What are the five risk factors for otitis media?
The following are proven risk factors for otitis media:
- Prematurity and low birth weight.
- Young age.
- Early onset.
- Family history.
- Race – Native American, Inuit, Australian aborigine.
- Altered immunity.
- Craniofacial abnormalities.
- Neuromuscular disease.
Does otitis externa need antibiotics?
Treating the Infection The main focus of treating otitis externa is the treatment of the infection. Otitis externa can be caused by bacteria, fungi or other germs. Antibiotic ear drops are the treatment of choice.
