Inflammation of the outer ear

Proven content

Otitis externa is a disease that can take many forms, usually eczema or inflammation that affects the external ear canal and sometimes even the entire auricle. It usually appears as a result of a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The diagnosis of the symptoms is based on a dermatological and otolaryngological examination.

What is otitis externa?

Otitis externa is a disease that is very often referred to as swimmer’s ear. This is an ignited process that usually attacks:

1. eardrum,
2. auricle,
3. ear canal.

The ailment usually arises from viral, bacterial or fungal infections and is characterized by fever, hearing impairment and stabbing pain that may radiate down to the jaw. The earwax in our ears causes a moist environment, which in turn, as a result of an injury or prolonged stay in a humid climate, increases the chance of developing an infection. The type of treatment that will be implemented depends on the cause of the disease, e.g. bacterial inflammation is treated with antibiotics.

Causes of otitis externa

Bacterial otitis externa usually causes an ear boil or swimmer’s ear. The most common bacterium that causes inflammation is staphylococcus aureus. On the other hand, the formation of purulent discharge may result from the presence of the blue pus rod. (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Varicella-Zoster virus plays a major role in viral otitis externa and can also cause herpes zoster. Candida fungi can also contribute to the occurrence of inflammation, which usually ends with mycosis of the external auditory canal.

Symptoms of otitis externa

The symptoms of otitis externa are usually:

1. itching
2. headaches,
3. feeling of skin tightness,
4. feeling thrust in the ear,
5. fever,
6. sometimes the presence of an ear leak,
7. sometimes chills,
8. pain (worsens especially when pulling the auricle or chewing food),
9. red, fluffy skin covered with drying secretions,
10. hearing impairment,
11. sometimes serous-blood vesicles.

In the event of any of the above symptoms, you should immediately report to a doctor who will perform appropriate tests and implement treatment. This is very important because ignoring otitis externa can cause numerous complications, e.g. bacterial inflammation can spread to neighboring tissues, causing inflammation of the lymph nodes, for example. In addition, the facial and auditory nerves can be damaged from herpes zoster.

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Diagnosis and treatment of otitis externa

Before the appropriate treatment is implemented, bacteriological, dermatological and otalaryngological tests are necessary. During the latter, a specialist will perform an ear endoscopy, i.e. an otoscopy, and the dermatologist will take a swab from the ear for bacteriological examination. However, in everyday practice, diagnosis is most often made by the primary care physician without performing long-term bacteriological tests.

The duration of treatment depends on the symptoms and the pathogen causing the otitis externa. If the disease is bacterial – it is recommended to take topical antibiotics, but also oral antibiotics. Topical treatment usually takes about a week. If inflammation continues, general treatment should be instituted. Then antibiotic therapy is used, the duration of which depends on the symptoms and the general condition of the patient. You can also use over-the-counter painkillers to reduce the pain.

In the case of fungal otitis externa, treatment is quite long-lasting and should be continued for up to two weeks after symptoms have disappeared. The basis is the cleaning of the external auditory canal by the doctor and the use of antifungal agents. In contrast, the presence of herpes zoster should be eliminated with antiviral treatment.

Conservative treatment of ailments is mainly based on:

1. regular cleaning of the ear canal with drops and dressings prescribed by the doctor;
2. avoiding soaking the affected ear;
3. the use of painkillers, anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory drugs;
4. avoiding drafts;
5. avoiding swimming;
6. the use of warm pain-relieving compresses (e.g. an electric pillow or a warm towel).

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Can otitis externa be prevented?

Of course, you can prevent otitis externa, you just need to follow a few simple tips and avoid situations that might damage the epidermis of the ear canal. Therefore:

1. avoid getting your ears wet when bathing (especially in young children);
2. after prolonged exposure to water, remember to dry the ears thoroughly (do not use cotton buds for this purpose, as they often damage the ear canal of the outer ear);
3. if you go to the swimming pool regularly – use earplugs or special drops that maintain the appropriate level of moisture in the ear;
4. if you clean your ears – keep a small amount of earwax in the ear as it is a protective barrier against microorganisms (it is best to avoid ear sticks);
5. hearing aid wearers should clean it regularly, as infection may occur due to increased humidity in the ear clogged with the hearing aid;
6. you must not use any ointments without the doctor’s prescription.

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