External Otitis
Medical Specialty:
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Overview
External otitis is an inflammation of the external auditory canal, most commonly caused by a bacterial infection. The condition is common during the summer months and among people who swim frequently.Symptoms
- ear pain
- itching
- reduced hearing
- ear discharge
- blocked ear
WHAT IT IS
The inflammation affects the skin of the external ear canal and usually occurs after the natural protective barrier of the skin has been compromised. This can happen due to mechanical cleaning of the ears, retention of water, or microtraumas.
TYPES
- Bacterial external otitis
- Fungal external otitis
- Acute external otitis
- Chronic external otitis
CAUSES
- Water entering the ear
- Cleaning with cotton swabs
- Ear canal injuries
- Bacterial or fungal infections
SYMPTOMS
- Ear pain
- Hearing loss
- Ear discharge
- Itching in the ear canal
- Feeling of a blocked ear
TREATMENT
Treatment includes:
- Ear drops with antibiotics
- Cleaning the ear canal
- Pain relievers
- Antifungal therapy for fungal infections
SYNONYMS: Otitis externa, inflammation of the external ear, swimmer’s ear, ear canal infection
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