otitis externa

Also known as external otitis, swimmer's ear, Outer Ear Infection, External Ear Infection, Infectious Otitis Externa

inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal.

Key facts

Other names: External otitis, swimmer's ear
Specialty: Otorhinolaryngology
Symptoms: Ear pain , swelling of the ear canal, decreased hearing , difficulty chewing
Types: Acute, chronic
Causes: Bacterial infection , allergies , autoimmune disorders
Risk factors: Swimming, minor trauma from cleaning, using hearing aids or ear plugs, diabetes , psoriasis , dermatitis
Diagnostic method: Based on symptoms, microbial culture
Differential diagnosis: Perichondritis
Prevention: Acetic acid ear drops
Treatment: Antibiotic drops such as ofloxacin , acetic acid
Frequency: ~2% of people a year

via Wikipedia infobox

~19 min read

Article

Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is inflammation of the ear canal. It often presents with ear pain, swelling of the ear canal, and occasionally decreased hearing. Typically there is pain with movement of the outer ear. A high fever is typically not present except in severe cases.

Otitis externa may be acute (lasting less than six weeks) or chronic (lasting more than three months). Acute cases are typically due to bacterial infection, and chronic cases are often due to allergies and autoimmune disorders. The most common cause of otitis externa is bacterial. Risk factors for acute cases include swimming, minor trauma from cleaning, using hearing aids and ear plugs, and other skin problems, such as psoriasis and dermatitis. People with diabetes are at risk of a severe form of malignant otitis externa. Diagnosis is based on the signs and symptoms. Culturing the ear canal may be useful in chronic or severe cases.