Otitis externa Flashcards
1
Q
causes of Otitis externa
A
Infection
seborrhoeic dermatitis
contact dermatitis (allergic/irritant)
2
Q
signs and symptoms of otiits externa
A
ear pain (otalgia)
itch
discharge
Otoscopy
red, swollen eczematous canal
3
Q
treating otitis externa
A
topical Abx or combined topical Abx with steroids
if tympanic membrane is perforated avoid aminoglycosides
remove any debris
if systematic symptoms give oral Abx
4
Q
what is malignant otitis externa
A
it is common in elderly diabetics
it involves spread of infection into bony ear canal and soft tissue deep to the bony canal
treated with IV Abx
