3 - ENT - Otology - Conductive deafness - Otitis externa

Question 1

what is it?

what may it be part of what?

Answer 1

inflammation of EAM

a generalised condition - eg eczema

Question 2

Common organisms ? (3 types)

Answer 2

viral - VZV
Bact - PA, SA
Fungal - candida, aspergillus

Question 3

5 presenting points

Answer 3

pain
hearing loss
itching
OTORRHEOA (bact = pus, fungal = dry/wet debris)
Vesicles (in viral infection)

Question 4

What does mucus indicate in OE?

Answer 4

mucus indicates perforation, as no mucus secretion in EAM

Question 5

mgmt of OE

Answer 5

aural toilet
analgesia
systemic AB’s
Topicals - AB/steroid combo, (ribbon gauze wick can help drops reach deeper EAM)

Question 6

What is a furuncle

Answer 6

infection of hair follicle in outer 1/3rd of EAM - usually Staph aureus

Question 7

how to treat furuncle

Answer 7

analgesia, astringents ( constrict tissue)

AB’s in more severe cases

Question 8

Malignant OE - what? organism? more common in?

Answer 8

aggressive form of OE - not cancerous but can be lethal - Pseudomonas
more common in DM + Immcompromised

Question 9

Malignant OE - complications? treatment?

Answer 9

can enter bone, leading to osteitis, cranial nerve palsies

Tx - iv AB’s