Otitis externa

2,986 views

Summary of Otitis externa

Otitis externa (also called swimmer's ear) is an inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. There are both eczematous and infectious subtypes. Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause.

Assessments
Otitis externa

Flashcards

0 / 8 complete

Questions

1 / 3 complete

High Yield Notes

8 pages

▪ Examine for abnormality (e.g. retraction, effusion, perforation) ▫ Dull bluish-gray/yellowish coloration denotes effusion behind membrane; reddish coloration, engorged vessels signal inﬂammation ▪ Pneumatic examination ▫ Fluid-ﬁlled ear minimizes tympanic membrane excursion with insufﬂation OTHER DIAGNOSTICS ▪ Hearing tests for conductive hearing loss ▫ Weber test: sound lateralized to affected ear ▫ Rinne test: BC > AC TREATMENT MEDICATIONS ▪ Dilatory dysfunction ▫ Upper respiratory tract inﬂammation (viral infection, allergy) → short intranasal/systemic decongestant, corticosteroid course ▪ Patulous dysfunction ▫ Avoid decongestants/corticosteroids SURGERY ▪ Dilatory dysfunction ▫ Tympanostomy tubes: hollow tubes inserted into eardrum → create direct opening between middle, outer ear → allow easy pressure equilibration, accumulated debris drainage OTHER INTERVENTIONS ▪ Patulous dysfunction ▫ Hydration, nasal saline drops/irrigation OTITIS EXTERNA osms.it/otitis-externa PATHOLOGY & CAUSES ▪ AKA “swimmer’s ear” ▪ Outer ear canal irritation CAUSES ▪ Outer ear canal microbial infection (primary cause) ▫ Bacterial (90%): Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas vulgaris, E. coli, S. aureus ▫ Fungal: Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger ▪ Dermatological conditions ▫ Allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis 566 OSMOSIS.ORG RISK FACTORS ▪ Frequent swimming ▪ Mechanical cleaning/irritation (cotton swabs/scratching) ▪ Ear canal occlusion (hearing aid, headphone) ▪ Diabetes SIGNS & SYMPTOMS ▪ Acute (< six weeks) ▫ Pinna traction → aggravated pain ▫ Otorrea: sticky yellow discharge) ▫ Swelling, purulent debris → external canal obstruction → conductive hearing loss, +/- aural fullness ▫ Posterior auricular lymphadenopathy

Flashcards

Otitis externa

8 flashcards

Questions

USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE

3 questions

USMLE® Step 2 style questions USMLE

2 questions

Preview

A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe pain in his left ear that has been worsening over the past week and is accompanied by purulent drainage. The patient reports that his ear feels full and that he has decreased hearing in the left ear. His past medical history is significant for poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. His vitals are stable, with a mild fever of 38.4 C (101.1F). On physical examination, there is swelling and erythema of the left external auditory canal as well as purulent drainage and granulation tissue is at the floor of the osseocartilaginous junction.

Lab tests confirm that the patient has malignant otitis externa caused by an infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Based on these results, which of the following antibiotics would most likely be used to treat the infection?

Memory Anchors and Partner Content