Acute otitis externa
"A complete head and neck scan is necessary to identify factors that predispose to this type of problem".
DR. FRANCISCO JAVIER CERVERA PAZ
SPECIALIST. OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY DEPARTMENT
What is otitis externa?
Acute otitis externa is defined as the acute infection of the outer ear. It is a very common process in pediatric pathology.
Acute otitis externa (AEO) is mostly caused by germs of the genus pseudomas aeruginosa. Other germs involved are: streptococcus, S. epidermidis, enterobacter aerogenes, proteus mirabilis, klebsiella pneumoniae and fungi (candida and aspergillus).
It occurs more frequently during the summer months since one of the most frequent means of acquiring the disease is in swimming pools.
Symptoms of otitis externa
- Pain predominates. It is accentuated by swallowing and manipulation.
- Pruritus is a frequent precursor of pain. It is characteristic of chronic inflammation.
- Concentric swelling of the external auditory canal (EAC). There is also oedema and erythema of the CAE. When periauricular oedema is severe, it may cause a forward thrust of the atrium.
- There is no inflammation of the back of the pinna. Fever is not usually associated with it.
- In acute disease there is greenish otorrhoea (discharge from the ear canal).
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
How is otitis externa diagnosed?
In otitis externa, the physician establishes the diagnosis by physical examination of the patient.
Otoscopy will show that the duct is red and swollen. In this way, the diagnosis of otitis externa can be assured.
Culture of ear exudate is generally unnecessary, but should be performed in patients who do not improve with treatment. The most commonly isolated organisms are Pseudomonas species and Staphylococcus.
Differential diagnosis should be made primarily with acute otitis media, chronic otitis externa, cholesteatoma and cancer of the external auditory canal.
Treatment for otitis externa
Topical antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is the antibiotic of choice. Combine symptomatic treatment of pain.
When the inflammatory process subsides, cleaning the ear canal with swabs or with irritation with 2% acetic acid or 1.25% boric alcohol increases the efficacy of topical measures that help to remove debris. Periodic cleaning of the ear canal in sub-acute or chronic infections is essential.
In children with recurrent otitis externa, instillation of alcohol or dilute acetic acid immediately after swimming or bathing can be tried prophylactically.
Severe diffuse acute otitis externa is associated with fever and lymphadenitis. It requires oral treatment.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Department of Otolaryngology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Navarra Clinic is a national and world reference in numerous highly specialized surgical procedures.
We have the latest technology and we perform all diagnostic tests in less than 48 hours in order to offer our patients the best solution in the shortest time possible.
We were one of the first centers in Spain to use robotic surgery in the surgical treatment with the Da Vinci® System.
Organized in specialized units:
- Otology - Hearing.
- Rhinology - Nose.
- Pharyngology - Throat.
- Laryngology - Voice.
- Balance disorders.
- Head and neck problems.
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in the treatment of hearing problems.
- Pioneers in axillary surgery to avoid scarring.
- National reference center in tissue sealing for tonsil removal.
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
Our team of professionals
