Otitis Externa (swimmer’s ear)

• • It is the inflammation of the outer ear canal

Etiology

1. 1. Infective

      1. Bacterial

      2. Viral

      3. Fungal

   2. Non-infective

Risk Factors

1. 1. Water exposure

   2. Trauma of ear

   3. Hearing devices

Classification

1. Infective

   1. Bacterial

      1. Acute diffuse

      2. Acute localised

      3. Chronic

   2. Viral

      1. Herpes zoster oticus

   3. Fungal

      1. Otomycosis

2. Non-infective

   1. Seborrhoeic

   2. Atopic-eczematous

   3. Psoriosis

Clinical Symptoms

1. 1. Pain in ears

   2. Edema

   3. Reddening of ears

   4. Otorrhoea - Abnormal fluid discharge from external ear

   5. Hearing loss

Complications of Otitis Externa

1. 1. Mastoid osteomyelitis

   2. Cranial Nerve palsy

Diagnosis

1. 1. Pneumatic otoscopy

Treatment

1. Prevention

   1. Earplugs while swimming

   2. Remove water from ear canal after shower or swimming

2. Pharmacological

   1. Paracetamol

   2. Non-steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs)

   3. Opioids