Otitis Externa definition ,causes and treatment

Definition
Otitis externa is inflammation of the external auditory canal.


Causes
 The acute form is usually caused by bacterial infection, but it may also be fungal or viral.
 The chronic form is eczematous and may be atopic or a contact dermatitis.
 Dermatitis may become infected and the two types of otitis externa can exist together.


Treatment
- Mild eczematous otitis externa affecting the pinna can be treated with hydrocortisone cream.
- Aluminium acetate is astringent and hygroscopic and produces an acidic environment that is hostile to pathogenic bacteria.
- Aluminium Acetate (13%) Ear Drops BP can be used as an anti-inflammatory for eczematous otitis externa in the external ear canal.
Acetic acid has antibacterial activity. A 2% spray solution of acetic acid is licensed for the treatment of superficial infections of the external auditory canal in adults and children over the age of 12 years.
- Use should be discontinued and medical advice sought if symptoms do not improve within
48 hours of starting treatment.




When to refer ?
Patients should be referred if they report any of the following:
– pain
– deafness
– vertigo
– tinnitus
– ‘blocked’ ears
– discharge
– foreign body in ear
– bleeding
– nausea/vomiting
– neck stiffness
– any injury.