-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
otitis externa
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition: Infection or inflammation of the ear canal. Also called "swimmer's ear".

etiology: The infection may be localized or generalized, and is more common during the summer months. Micro-organisms commonly associated with otitis externa include Pseudomonas, E. coli, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus. Factors involved include frequent ear wetness; trauma to the canal (including hearty use of cotton buds); excessive and impacted cerumen; and irritating substances getting in the canal, such as hair dye.

signs and symptoms

• Itching.
• Pain: with pulling the ear lobe or pushing in the tragus.
Offensive discharge from the ear.
• Furuncle.
• Canal is hyperemic, swollen and visibly full of infectious matter.

lab findings:
• possibly (+) staining of causative organism
• culture discharge

course and prognosis

A furuncle should be allowed to suppurate naturally. Otherwise, conventional treatment consists of topical antibiotics and corticosteroids. OE usually resolves easily as long as causative agents are removed.

differential diagnosis

• Otitis media.
• Foreign body in the ear.


footnotes