Common Ear Pathologies Flashcards
Definition of otitis external (swimmers Ear)
Inflamed swollen narrow canal w/ discharge & flaking skin
Why does exposure to water increase the risk of otitis externa
Inflammation upon exposure
Example of trauma that causes otitis externa
Cotton buds
Why is ear wax removal a RF for otitis externa
Wax protective against infection
Bacterial cause of acute otitis externa
Staph aureus
Fungal cause of chronic otitis externa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Otitis externa symptoms in the ear canal
- erythema + swelling
- tenderness
- pus/discharge
Lymph symptoms of otitis externa
Lymphadenopathy
Type of hearing loss in otitis externa
Conductive hearing loss
Diagnosis of otitis externa
Otoscope
Tx mild otitis externa
Acetic acid 2% (antibacterial + antifungal)
Tx moderate otitis externa (choice of Abx + steroid)
Neomycin + dexamethasone + acetic acid
Malignant otitis external spreads to
Bone
Dangerous symptoms of malignant otitis externa
- facial nerve palsy
- meningitis
- death
Definition of otitis media (include location + origin)
- middle ear infection
- between tympanic membrane + inner ear
- Eustachian tube from nose
Most common bacterial agent of otitis media post URTI
Strep pneumoniae
Other bacterial agent of otitis media post URTI
Haem influenza
Common symptoms of otitis media
- ear pain
- reduced hearing
Why might there be balance issues in otitis media
Infection spread to vestibular system
Ear discharge in otitis media indicates
Tympanic membrane perforation
Changes to tympanic membrane in otitis media upon otoscope
Red bulging
If otitis media isn’t self-limited in a px, what Abx is given and for how long
Amoxicillin in 5 days
4 complications of otitis media
- otitis media w/ effusion (glue ear)
- mastoiditis (rare)
- perforated ear drum
- hearing loss (temporary)
What is otitis media w/ effusion
Fluid behind tympanic membrane due to Eustachian tube dysfunction
Anatomical causes of otitis media w/ effusion
- Down syndrome
- cleft palate
Infection of what structure increases the risks of otitis media
Eustachian tube
Otoscope findings in otitis media
Dull tympanic membrane w/sire bubbles
Cholesteatoma definition
Abnormal collection of squamous epithelial cells in middle ear
If cholesteatoma is non-cancerous what risk does it pose
Invasion & erosion of bones in middle ear
The eroding ossicles in cholesteatoma are caused due to negative pressure because of
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Hearing loss features in cholesteatoma (2)
- unilateral
- conductive
Other symptoms of cholesteatoma (3)
- foul ear discharge
- vertigo
- pain
Why are CT/MRI used in cholesteatoma
Assess extent of damage
Cholesteatoma Tx
Steroids
