otitis externa

Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear) Description

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal. This condition can be caused by bacteria or fungi and is characterized by inflammation of the skin in the ear canal.

Symptoms:

• Redness and swelling of the ear canal
• Discomfort or pain in and around the ear
• Itching or scaling of the ear canal skin lining
• Thickening of the ear canal skin lining
• Varying degrees of ear discharge

Causes:

• Bacterial infections (most common)
• Fungal infections
• Irritation from water, soap, or other substances
• Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis

References: [2][3][4][5][6][8]

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not be an exhaustive list of symptoms or causes. If you have any specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask!

Common Signs and Symptoms of Otitis Externa

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is a bacterial infection that affects the outer ear and ear canal. The symptoms can vary from person to person but often include:

• Ear pain: A sharp or dull ache in the ear, which can be severe [1].
• Itching and irritation: Redness and swelling of the outer ear and ear canal, accompanied by itching sensations [2][7].
• Redness and swelling: The ear canal and outer ear may appear red and swollen due to inflammation [3][4][5].
• Drainage and discharge: Yellow or yellow-green pus may drain from the ear canal, indicating a bacterial infection [1][4][6].
• Increased pain: As the infection progresses, the pain in the ear can become more severe [4].

Additional Symptoms

Some people may also experience:

• Hearing loss: Temporary hearing loss due to the infection or discharge blocking the ear canal [9].
• Ear fullness or pressure: A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, which can be uncomfortable [9].
• Erythema: Redness and inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal [9].

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as untreated otitis externa can lead to more severe complications.

Diagnostic Tests for Otitis Externa

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, can be diagnosed through a combination of history and physical examination. Here are some diagnostic tests that may be used to confirm the condition:

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is essential in diagnosing otitis externa. The doctor will examine the outer ear, ear canal, and surrounding lymph nodes for signs of tenderness, swelling, or redness [2].
• Ear Canal Inspection: Otoscopy may be performed to inspect the ear canal and eardrum for any abnormalities [3].
• Gram Staining and Culture: In some cases, a sample of the discharge from the ear canal may be sent for Gram staining and culture to identify the causative organism [7].
• Blood Glucose Check or Urine Dipstick Test: Adults with otitis externa may benefit from a blood glucose check or urine dipstick test to evaluate for occult diabetes [1].

Key Diagnostic Factors

The following factors are commonly associated with otitis externa:

• Ear pain
• Tenderness over the tragus, pinna, or both
• Ear canal swelling and erythema
• Granulation tissue in the ear canal

These diagnostic tests and key factors can help healthcare professionals diagnose otitis externa accurately.

References: [1] eMedicine Logo. (2024, Mar 5). Otitis Externa. [2] Sep 21, 2023 — Key diagnostic factors [3] by P SCHAEFER · 2012 · Cited by 161 — Physical examination should include the auricle and surrounding lymph nodes, a skin examination, otoscopy of the ear canal, and verification ... [7] The diagnosis of otitis externa is based on history and physical examination. Gram staining and culture of the discharge should be considered in those with ...

Treatment Options for Otitis Externa

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is a bacterial or fungal infection of the outer ear canal. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection and reduce inflammation.

• Topical Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics such as neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone are effective in treating mild or moderate acute external otitis. These medications can be applied directly to the affected ear canal.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids like hydrocortisone can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the ear canal.
• Antibiotic Ear Drops: Antibiotic ear drops containing ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones are also used to treat otitis externa.

Combination Therapy

In some cases, a combination of medications may be prescribed. For example:

• Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Hydrocortisone: This preparation is a reasonable first-line therapy when the tympanic membrane is intact.
• Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone Combination Ear Drops: These ear drops are used to treat ear infections, such as acute otitis externa and acute otitis media.

Oral Antibiotics

In more severe cases or if the infection does not resolve with topical treatments, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

References:

• [1] Over-the-counter clotrimazole 1 percent solution (Lotrimin) can also have some antibacterial activity.
• [2] Acetic acid is antibacterial and antifungal; hydrocortisone is anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and antipruritic.
• [3] Neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone preparations are a reasonable first-line therapy when the tympanic membrane is intact.
• [4] Hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation and pain; antibiotics; fluoroquinolone antibiotics for people with ruptured ear drums.
• [5] Topical antibiotics and corticosteroids are effective in mild or moderate acute external otitis.

Differential Diagnosis of Otitis Externa

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is a common condition that affects the outer ear canal. However, there are several other conditions that can present with similar symptoms, making differential diagnosis essential for proper treatment.

Possible Causes:

• Cerumen (Earwax) Obstruction: A blockage in the ear canal caused by excessive earwax or debris [3].
• Foreign Body: An object lodged in the ear canal, which can cause irritation and inflammation [3].
• Ear Canal Trauma: Physical damage to the ear canal, such as a cut or scratch, which can lead to infection [1].
• Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A long-standing infection of the middle ear that can spread to the outer ear canal [3].
• Otomycosis: A fungal infection of the outer ear canal [6].
• Contact Dermatitis: An allergic reaction or skin irritation in the ear canal, often caused by an allergen or irritant [2].
• Carcinoma of the Ear Canal: A rare type of cancer that affects the outer ear canal [6].
• Psoriasis: A chronic skin condition that can cause inflammation and scaling in the ear canal [6].

Key Diagnostic Factors:

• Ear pain
• Ear canal swelling and erythema (redness)
• Otorrhea (discharge or pus) from the ear canal
• Erythematous tympanic membrane (redness of the eardrum)

It's essential to note that a proper diagnosis can only be made by a healthcare professional through a thorough examination and medical history. If you suspect you have otitis externa or any other condition affecting your ears, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

References: [1] Mar 5, 2024 — Diagnostic Considerations · Ear canal trauma [2] by R SANDER · 2001 · Cited by 287 — Systemic diseases that may cause otitis externa include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne and lupus erythematosus. [3] What is the differential diagnosis for otitis externa? · Cerumen (earwax) obstruction [4] by P SCHAEFER · 2012 · Cited by 161 — Acute otitis externa should be distinguished from other possible causes of ear canal inflammation. ... Diagnosis of Otitis Externa. [5] Sep 21, 2023 — Key diagnostic factors. [6] by LA Goguen · Cited by 16 — Outline · Otomycosis