How to treat and cause external ear infections, External ear infections are defined as inflammation resulting from an inflammatory response in the external auditory canal, which connects the outer ear to the eardrum.
This inflammation usually occurs due to a bacterial or fungal infection, or from repeated exposure of the ear to water during showering or swimming, or as a result of psoriasis or eczema.
The infection is often acute and lasts for a short period, not exceeding a few days, as it starts quickly and its symptoms become severe within a short time. Sometimes, the infection is chronic, lasting for several weeks.
Symptoms of External Ear Infections
Symptoms of external ear infections include:
- Moderate to severe pain.
- Ear discharge, which may be clear and odorless or contain pus and have a foul odor.
- Blurred hearing due to a buildup of earwax in the ear canal.
- A feeling of fullness or pressure.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Fever, itching.
What are the types of external otitis
Diffuse otitis is a bacterial infection of the external auditory canal and is common among swimmers.
Acute localized otitis is associated with an infection of the hair follicles in the external auditory canal.
Chronic otitis is the same as acute localized otitis but is considered a special case as it lasts longer (more than 6 weeks).
Fungal otitis is an infection of the external auditory canal caused by several types of fungi.
Eczema is a term that encompasses all types of inflammation resulting from skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or lupus affecting the external auditory canal.
Causes of external otitis
It is usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections, or by skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, but the most common and primary cause is bacteria.
Otitis externa can be caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, the three most common types of bacteria that cause acute disseminated otitis.
Frequent manipulation of the external canal, such as through constant cleaning or scratching, can lead to infection. Middle ear infections can also contribute to the spread of the infection.
How is otitis externa diagnosed
Diagnosis relies on the following:
- Examination using an otoscope.
- Reviewing the patient's medical history.
- Laboratory tests and analyses.
- Understanding the patient's symptoms.
- Family history.
- Reviewing the patient's dietary supplements and medications.
Treatment of otitis externa
The appropriate treatment depends on the patient's condition, age, and the underlying cause of the infection. If the infection is bacterial, the doctor will prescribe topical antibiotics. In severe cases, injections or oral medications may be prescribed.
If the inflammation is caused by a fungal infection, topical antifungal medications will be prescribed. Pain relievers may also be prescribed to reduce the pain associated with the inflammation. For mild cases of bacterial or fungal infections, ear drops containing acetic acid may be prescribed.
Treatment Methods for External Otitis
The treating physician may clean the ear canal, removing any wax, secretions, or debris. They may also perform an ear irrigation using warm water and hydrogen peroxide.
In cases of infection that do not respond to antibiotics, the physician may resort to surgical removal of the infected area and drainage of pus. Alternatively, they may clean the area using traditional methods.
Medications for Treating External Otitis
- Augmentin tablets
- Flucamox
- Neo Myxidin
- Verserc ear drops Verserc ear drops.
- Cephradine vials.
- Otocort ear drops.
Tips for preventing otitis externa
You can prevent otitis externa by:
- Keeping your ears dry.
- Avoiding inserting anything into the ear canal.
- Avoiding water from entering the ear as much as possible while showering.
- Using cotton swabs while swimming.
- Drying your ears thoroughly after showering using a towel or a hairdryer at a safe distance.
- Avoid using cotton swabs or any other cleaning tools, as these can push earwax further inside.
- Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of infection.
Article Summary
Otitis externa is an inflammation that occurs as a result of an inflammatory response in the external auditory canal, which connects the outer ear to the eardrum. This inflammation usually results from a fungal or bacterial infection.
Treatment of inflammation depends on the underlying cause of the infection. If the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. In cases of severe inflammation, injections or oral medications will be prescribed.