Diffuse Otitis Externa

Question 1

What is diffuse otitis externa ?

Answer 1

Diffuse Inflammation of the meatal skin that spreads to the pinna and epidermal layer of the tympanic membrane

Question 2

Other names for diffuse otitis externa

Answer 2

Swimmers ears
Tropical ear

Question 3

Most common organism causing this doe

Answer 3

Staph aureus and pseudomonas

Question 4

Two main factors responsible for this condition

Answer 4

1.change of ph from acid to alkaline that causes organism to invade like in sweating

2.trauma to the meatal skin

Question 5

Acute doe clinical features

Answer 5

Hot burning sensation in the ear ;Pain in the pinna aggravated by jaw movements

Serous discharge that changes into purulent

Meatal lining becomes thick and swollen

Collection of debris and discharge will cause conductive hearing loss

Question 6

Clinical features of chronic doe

Answer 6

Itching - this is acting as predisposing factor for re infection causing acute exacerbation

Discharge - scanty and dries to form crusts

Meatal skin thickening and hypertrophic causing meatal stenosis

Question 7

Treatment for acute doe

Answer 7

Acute

Ear toileting
Medicated wicks
Antibiotics
Analgesics

Question 8

Treatment for chronic doe

Answer 8

Main aim is to reduce itching and reduction of swelling to allow ear toileting

Ichthammol glycerine
Topical antibiotic cream