Otitis Externa

Otitis externa is a common disease in children and adults, which is a diffuse inflammation of the external ear canal. It is also called swimmer’s otitis. Several factors can increase the risk of developing otitis externa. These include prolonged moisture in the ear canal, trauma (for example, with the use of cotton swab), the presence of a foreign body in the ear, certain skin diseases, chronic otorrhea and immunosuppression.

Individuals with otitis externa frequently will report earache, itching, a feeling of fullness, hearing loss and otorrhea. They may also feel tenderness when touching their pinna.

Otitis externa can be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. Initial treatment usually involves the use of antibiotics drops applied into the ear with or without the use of steroids. For more severe cases, oral and even intravenous antibiotics are sometimes necessary. It is crucial to avoid water in the affected external auditory canal.

__________________________

Anatomy and function of the ear
Definition
External Otitis
Otitis Media
Retraction Pockets
Cholesteatoma
Myringitis
Mastoiditis
Otosclerosis
Vestibular Schwannoma