Summary about Disease
External otitis, commonly known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal, the tube that runs from the eardrum to the outside of the head. It's often caused by bacteria or fungi and is frequently associated with water exposure, hence the name "swimmer's ear.
Symptoms
Pain in the ear, especially when the ear or jaw is moved.
Itching inside the ear canal.
Redness and swelling of the outer ear.
Drainage of clear, pus-like, or bloody fluid from the ear.
Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
Decreased hearing.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck (in severe cases).
Causes
Bacteria: Most common cause (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Staphylococcus aureus*).
Fungi: Less common, but can occur (e.g., Aspergillus, *Candida*).
Water exposure: Creates a moist environment ideal for microbial growth.
Trauma to the ear canal: From scratching, cleaning with cotton swabs, or using hearing aids/earplugs.
Skin conditions: Eczema or psoriasis can affect the ear canal.
Allergies: Can cause inflammation and increase susceptibility to infection.
Medicine Used
Antibiotic ear drops: For bacterial infections (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin).
Antifungal ear drops: For fungal infections (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole).
Acidic ear drops: To restore the normal pH balance of the ear canal (e.g., acetic acid).
Steroid ear drops: To reduce inflammation (e.g., hydrocortisone).
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Oral antibiotics: In severe cases or if the infection spreads.
Is Communicable
External otitis is generally not communicable from person to person. It's caused by opportunistic organisms that are already present in the environment or on the skin, rather than being spread through contact.
Precautions
Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering.
Use earplugs when swimming.
Avoid scratching or cleaning the ear canal with cotton swabs or other objects.
If prone to swimmer's ear, use preventative ear drops after swimming (e.g., acetic acid).
Manage underlying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
How long does an outbreak last?
With appropriate treatment, external otitis typically resolves within 7-10 days. However, it can last longer if the infection is severe or if there are underlying health conditions that impede healing.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical history: Doctor will ask about symptoms and activities (swimming, ear cleaning habits).
Physical examination: Visual inspection of the ear canal using an otoscope. The doctor will look for redness, swelling, drainage, and tenderness.
Culture: If the infection is severe or doesn't respond to treatment, a sample of the ear drainage may be taken to identify the specific bacteria or fungus causing the infection.
Timeline of Symptoms
Early stage (1-3 days): Itching, mild discomfort, and slight redness in the ear canal.
Middle stage (3-7 days): Increased pain, swelling, and drainage. Hearing may be slightly diminished.
Late stage (7+ days): Severe pain, significant swelling, potential for swollen lymph nodes, and noticeable hearing loss if untreated.
Important Considerations
Complete the full course of prescribed medication, even if symptoms improve.
Avoid getting water in the ear during treatment.
Follow-up with a doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days of starting treatment.
Individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems may be at higher risk for severe infections.
Recurrent external otitis should be investigated to identify underlying causes or contributing factors.