Otitis externa Flashcards
1
Q
What is otitis externa?
A
An inflammatory condition affecting the external auditory canal and pinna
2
Q
What are the risk factors for OE?
A
- Water exposure
- High humidity
- Trauma to the auditory canal
- Narrow ear canals
- Immunosuppression
3
Q
What is the pathophysiology of otitis externa?
A
Bacterial: Staph A, Pseudomonas
Fungal: Aspergillus, Candida
Seborrhoeic/Contact Dermatitis
4
Q
How does OE present?
A
- Ear pain
- Ear itch
- Ear discharge
- Conductive hearing loss if becomes blocked
5
Q
What are the common otoscopy findings for OE?
A
- Red, swollen or eczematous canal
- View can be limited due to discharge/debris/swelling
6
Q
How is OE managed?
A
- Topical Abx via drops (+/- steroids)
- Removal of debris
7
Q
What is malignant otitis externa?
A
Severe and potentially life-threatening form where infection spreads to the bones around ear canal and skull -> can become osteomyelitis of temporal bone
8
Q
What is the presentation of malignant OE?
A
- Diabetic/Immunosuppresed patient
- Persistent headache
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Ear discharge/itch
9
Q
What is the key finding which indicates malignant otitis externa?
A
Graulation tissue at the junction between the bone and the cartilage
10
Q
How is MOE managed?
A
- Admission to hospital
- IV Abx
- Imaging to assess the extent of infection
