What is otitis externa (otitis)?

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What is otitis externa (otitis)?​

Otitis externa is an inflammatory condition of the external auditory canal (the ear canal). It is characterised by redness, swelling, scaling and thickening of the canal skin lining and is accompanied by varying degrees of discomfort, itch, deafness and discharge.
What are the German guidelines on otitis externa (OE)?
No German guidelines deal specifically with otitis externa; it is briefly discussed in the AWMF-S2k guidelines on ear pain of the German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemeinmedizin und Familienmedizin,DEGAM) (1).
What is the best painkiller for otitis externa?
Otitis externa can be very sore, particularly if you touch the outside part of the earlobe close to the ear canal. Paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually ease any pain. Stronger painkillers are occasionally needed.

How is acute otitis externa (AEO) diagnosed?​

Acute otitis externa is diagnosed clinically based on signs and symptoms of canal inflammation ( Table 2 4; Figures 1 and 2). Presentation can range from mild discomfort, itching, and minimal edema to severe pain, complete canal obstruction, and involvement of the pinna and surrounding skin.

Can eczema be mistaken for otitis externa?
Similarly, dermatological conditions such as eczema can be mistaken for OE. The most important diagnosis of exclusion is necrotising otitis externa (NOE), a serious complication of OE (more details in the complications section). The diagnosis of OE is largely based on clinical findings from both the history and clinical examination.
What is the best treatment for otitis externa in dogs?
Water irrigation of the canal is contraindicated. Mild external otitis can be treated by altering the ear canal’s pH with 2% acetic acid (or white vinegar) and by relieving inflammation with topical hydrocortisone; these are given as 5 drops 3 times a day for 7 days.
There are four main types of ear drops used to treat otitis externa: antibiotic ear drops – this can treat an underlying bacterial infection corticosteroid ear drops – this can help to reduce swelling antifungal ear drops – this can treat an underlying fungal infection acidic ear drops – this can help kill bacteria

What are the treatment options for otitis media (OM)?
The treatment of acute otitis media consists of analgesia, cleansing of the external auditory canal, and the application of antiseptic and antimicrobial agents. Local antibiotic and corticosteroid preparations have been found useful, but there have been no large-scale randomized controlled trials of their use.

Is malignant otitis externa life-threatening?
Malignant otitis externa, a destructive infection of the external auditory canal in which there is also osteomyelitis of the petrous bone, arises mainly in elderly diabetic or immunosuppressed patients and can be life-threatening. Conclusion

When are antibiotics indicated in the treatment of otitis externa?​

Otitis media should be considered when the patient has had an upper respiratory infection or is younger than two years, an age when otitis externa is uncommon. Systemic antibiotics also should be considered when the patient has even early signs of necrotizing otitis externa, as described later.
How long does it take for otitis externa to go away?
Treatments your GP can provide. While otitis externa can clear up by itself, this can take several weeks without treatment. Your GP can usually prescribe medicated ear drops that speed up the healing process. These usually need to be taken several times a day for about a week.
How often should I use ear drops for otitis externa?
There are a number of different types of ear drops that may be used to treat otitis externa, but they all tend to be used several times a day for about a week. Your GP may refer you to a specialist for further treatment and advice if symptoms are severe or they fail to respond to treatment.