Common Ear Pathologies Flashcards
What is the definition of Otitis Externa (“Swimmer’s ear”)
Inflamed swollen narrow ear canal with discharge / flaking skin
What are 3 risk factors for otitis externa
Exposure to water
Trauma (cotton ear buds)
Ear Wax Removal
What is ear wax’s function + name
Cerumen => protective against infection
What are the 2 types of otitis externa?
What are their causes
Acute => Bacteria w/staph aureus // pseudomonas aeruginosa
Chronic => Fungal w/aspergillus
What type of hearing loss is present in otitis externa?
Conductive hearing loss
What are 4 symptoms of otitis externa
Erythema in ear canal
Swelling in ear canal
Tenderness in ear canal
Pus / discharge from ear
For mild otitis externa, what treatment is done
Acetic acid
==> Antibacterial + Antifungal
For Moderate + severe otitis externa, what treatment is done
Neomycin + Dexamethasone + Acetic Acid
What is the main complication thats sinister of otitis externa
What are 3 outcomes of this complication
Malignant otitis externa
==> Infection spread to bone
1) facial nerve palsy
2) Meningitis
3) Death
Acute otitis media is defined as what
Middle ear infection between tympanic membrane + inner ear
when does acute otitis media usually present itself
What is the common cause of otitis media
Post Viral URTI
Streptococcus pneumoniae => Bacteria
In otitis media, if there is balance issue, where has the infection spread to?
If there is discharge, what has happend?
Balance => Vestibular system
Discharge => Membrane perforated
What does otitis media look like on an otoscope
What does a normal tympanic membrane look like
Tympanic membrane red + bulging
Pearly grey => Normal
What is the treatment plan for otitis media
Self resolving
==> Amoxicillin for 5 days
what are 4 complications of otitis media
Otitis media with effusion (glue ear)
Mastoiditis
Perforated ear drum
Hearing loss temporary
