Otitis externa

Question 1

Otitis externa - symptoms (7)

Answer 1

Itching and irritation of the skin of the ear canal
General ear pain
Red and swollen ears
Discharge (clear)
Tenderness of jaw and lymph glands
Hearing loss
Fever

Question 2

Otitis externa - extra questions (6)

Answer 2

Are there other symptoms of infection
Is there pain behind the ear
Has there been any recent trauma to the ears
Have you been in loud environments
Water exposure?
Loss of hearing?

Question 3

Otitis externa - explanation of diagnosis

Answer 3

Inflammation of the ear caused by an infection or irritation, very common and should resolve within 3 days

Question 4

Otitis externa - causes (3)

Answer 4

External irritant (trauma)
Water/swimming (swimmer’s ear)
Eczema/other skin conditions

Question 5

Otitis externa - first-line treatment (product, drug, how it works, dose, age, improvement time)

Answer 5

Earcalm Spray (acetic acid) antiseptic spray, one spray into the ear 3 times per day and after showering or swimming, continue for 2 days after symptoms disappear but no longer than 7 days
12+
Should improve after 2-3 days

Question 6

Otitis externa - lifestyle (6)

Answer 6

Remove anything that could cause irritation (earrings)
Remove discharge using cotton wool
Don’t use cotton buds to remove earwax
Keep the ear dry as much as possible
Avoid swimming or use ear plugs/cap if needed
Consider using hairdryer to dry ear canal

Question 7

Otitis externa - when to refer (6)

Answer 7

No improvement after 48 hours following treatment
Pain behind ear
Systemic infection signs
Impaired hearing in children
Severe pain
Immunocompromised