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
What is otitis media with effusion
Fluid behind tympanic membrane due to Eustachian tube dysfunction
What are 3 causes of Eustachian tube dysfunction leading to otitis media
Anatomy => Downs + Cleft palate
Infection => Inflammation
What does otitis media look like on a otoscope
Dull tympanic membrane w/air bubbles
What is given to drain fluid in otitis media
Full name?
Grommets
==> Tympanostomy
Abnormal collection of squamous epithelial cells in middle ear thats non cancerous but invades + erodes middle ear
Cholesteatoma
What is the cause of Cholesteatoma
Negative pressure in Eustachian tube pulling tympanic membrane
cells grow in the pocket formed on the membrane leading to erosion of bone (makeen better to read about this ngl)
What are 4 signs of a cholesteatoma
Foul discharge from ear
Unilateral conductive hearing loss
vertigo
Pain
How do you treat cholesteatoma
Sx
