1-Ears (Infection and tumours) Flashcards
types of ear infections
otitis externa
malignant otitis externa
acute otitis media
chronic supprative otitis media
Otitis media with effusion
Mastoiditis
types of ear tumours
acoustic neuroma
Otitis externa
Background
- Is an inflammatory condition of the outer ear that can affect the auricle, external auditory canal and external surface of the tympanic membrane.
- Can be acute <3 weeks or chronic
- Sometimes known as swimmers ear
otitis externa causes
Bacterial infection- most commonly
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staph aureus
Others
- Fungal infections
- Eczema
- Contact dermatitis
- Antibiotics for non bacterial infection -> fungal infections more likely
otitis media presentation
Presentation
- Ear pain
- Discharge
- Itchiness
- Conductive hearing loss
- Examination
o Erythema and swelling
o Lymphadenopathy
Investigations otitis externa
- Otoscopy
management of mild otitis externa
- Acetic acid – antifungal and antibacterial effects
- Ensure that the patient is advised to keep the ear dry for the next 7-10 days.
manageemnt of moderative otitis externa
- Topical antibiotic and steroid e.g. neomycin, dexamethasone and acetic acid -> Otomize ear spray
- Beware of aminoglycosides (gentamicin)-> ototoxic, esp if undiagnosed perforation
management of severe otitis externa
- Oral antibiotics e.g. fluclox or clarithromycin
- Ear wick
Indication for oral abx
Cellulitis extending beyond the external ear canal
When the ear canal is occluded by swelling and debris, and a wick cannot be inserted
People with diabetes or compromised immunity, and severe infection or high risk of severe infection, for example with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
ear wick
Where the meatus is completely occluded and there is significant swelling of the external meatus may be treated using a strip of ribbon gauze known as “Pope” wicks which can be used for the application of topical antibiotics (classically gentamicin) enabling deeper penetration.
fungal otitis externa management
clotrimazole ear drops
malignant otitis externa background
- Osteomyelitis of temporal bone
- Severe and life-threatening form of otitis externa
- Infection spreads to bones surrounding ear canal and skull
Risk factors for
- DM
- Immunosuppression
- HIV
Presentation of malignant otitis externa
- Symptoms more severe than normal otitis external
- Persistent headache
- Severe pain and fever
examination findings for malignant otitis externa
granulation tissue a the junction between the bone and cartilage in the ear canal (halfway along) – key finding
management of malignant otitis externa
Management
- Admission
- IV antibiotics
- Imaging (CT or MRI)
Complications of malignant otitis externa
- Facial nerve damage and palsy
- Meningitis
- Intracranial thrombosis
- Death
What is the difference between otitis media with effusion and acute otitis media?
Otitis media with effusion (OME) and acute otitis media (AOM) are two main types of otitis media (OM).
- Otitis Media with Effusion describes the symptoms of middle ear effusion (MEE) without infection
- Acute Otitis Media is an acute infection of the middle ear and caused by bacteria in about 70% of cases