Common Ear Pathologies

Question 1

Definition of otitis external (swimmers Ear)

Answer 1

Inflamed swollen narrow canal w/ discharge & flaking skin

Question 2

Why does exposure to water increase the risk of otitis externa

Answer 2

Inflammation upon exposure

Question 3

Example of trauma that causes otitis externa

Answer 3

Cotton buds

Question 4

Why is ear wax removal a RF for otitis externa

Answer 4

Wax protective against infection

Question 5

Bacterial cause of acute otitis externa

Answer 5

Staph aureus

Question 6

Fungal cause of chronic otitis externa

Answer 6

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Question 7

Otitis externa symptoms in the ear canal

Answer 7

• erythema + swelling
• tenderness
• pus/discharge

Question 8

Lymph symptoms of otitis externa

Answer 8

Lymphadenopathy

Question 9

Type of hearing loss in otitis externa

Answer 9

Conductive hearing loss

Question 10

Diagnosis of otitis externa

Answer 10

Otoscope

Question 11

Tx mild otitis externa

Answer 11

Acetic acid 2% (antibacterial + antifungal)

Question 12

Tx moderate otitis externa (choice of Abx + steroid)

Answer 12

Neomycin + dexamethasone + acetic acid

Question 13

Malignant otitis external spreads to

Answer 13

Bone

Question 14

Dangerous symptoms of malignant otitis externa

Answer 14

• facial nerve palsy
• meningitis
• death

Question 15

Definition of otitis media (include location + origin)

Answer 15

• middle ear infection
• between tympanic membrane + inner ear
• Eustachian tube from nose

Question 16

Most common bacterial agent of otitis media post URTI

Answer 16

Strep pneumoniae

Question 17

Other bacterial agent of otitis media post URTI

Answer 17

Haem influenza

Question 18

Common symptoms of otitis media

Answer 18

• ear pain

- reduced hearing

Question 19

Why might there be balance issues in otitis media

Answer 19

Infection spread to vestibular system

Question 20

Ear discharge in otitis media indicates

Answer 20

Tympanic membrane perforation

Question 21

Changes to tympanic membrane in otitis media upon otoscope

Answer 21

Red bulging

Question 22

If otitis media isn’t self-limited in a px, what Abx is given and for how long

Answer 22

Amoxicillin in 5 days

Question 23

4 complications of otitis media

Answer 23

• otitis media w/ effusion (glue ear)
• mastoiditis (rare)
• perforated ear drum
• hearing loss (temporary)

Question 24

What is otitis media w/ effusion

Answer 24

Fluid behind tympanic membrane due to Eustachian tube dysfunction

Question 25

Anatomical causes of otitis media w/ effusion

Answer 25

• Down syndrome

- cleft palate

Question 26

Infection of what structure increases the risks of otitis media

Answer 26

Eustachian tube

Question 27

Otoscope findings in otitis media

Answer 27

Dull tympanic membrane w/sire bubbles

Question 28

Cholesteatoma definition

Answer 28

Abnormal collection of squamous epithelial cells in middle ear

Question 29

If cholesteatoma is non-cancerous what risk does it pose

Answer 29

Invasion & erosion of bones in middle ear

Question 30

The eroding ossicles in cholesteatoma are caused due to negative pressure because of

Answer 30

Eustachian tube dysfunction

Question 31

Hearing loss features in cholesteatoma (2)

Answer 31

• unilateral

- conductive

Question 32

Other symptoms of cholesteatoma (3)

Answer 32

• foul ear discharge
• vertigo
• pain

Question 33

Why are CT/MRI used in cholesteatoma

Answer 33

Assess extent of damage

Question 34

Cholesteatoma Tx

Answer 34

Steroids