Is otitis externa dangerous?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Van Thai - Ear, Nose Throat Doctor - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Otitis externa is more common and less dangerous than otitis media. However, it can cause discomfort with symptoms of ear itching, ear pain, tinnitus or ear discharge... otitis externa without timely treatment can affect hearing. The main cause of otitis externa is exposure to dirty water in a pool or pond and a number of other causes.

1. What is otitis externa? How dangerous is the disease?

Otitis externa is an infection of the thin layer of skin in the ear cavity, caused by bacteria or, in rare cases, by fungi. Otitis externa usually occurs a few days after swimming and can be acute or chronic.
● Inflammation of the outer ear canal: An acute or chronic inflammation of the ear canal that covers the outer ear canal. The disease can occur at any age, is relatively common, especially in our country due to the hot and humid climate, polluted environment plus the habit of picking ears with unsanitary tools or wiping the ears too many times to scratch. Scratches the skin that protects the ear canal, allowing bacteria and fungi to enter and cause inflammation. Otitis externa can manifest in many different forms.
Localized otitis externa: Also known as ear canal boil, is an infection of the hair follicles in the ear canal, usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. The patient feels severe pain in the ear canal, which increases when pressing on the area in front of the ear or pulling on the earlobe.
Malignant otitis externa is a potentially fatal, widespread necrotizing inflammatory disease that is common in diabetic or immunocompromised individuals. Disease caused by bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes extensive inflammation of the outer ear canal, destroying surrounding soft tissue structures, spreading to the base of the skull. Severe complications can include nerve paralysis due to meningitis, brain abscess requiring hospitalization for treatment.

2. Symptoms of otitis externa

Signs of otitis externa include:
Mild pain
Tinnitus
Itchy ears
Ear discharge
Painful growths or small pimples in the ear cavity. These boils can be extremely painful. If they rupture, a small amount of blood or pus may drain from the ear.
Acute otitis externa: C can cause swelling, redness, severe pain with fever and lymphadenopathy. Hearing may be slightly affected when the ear canal is narrowed due to edema or accumulation of purulent mucus.

3. Causes of otitis externa

The main cause of otitis externa is exposure to dirty water in a pool or pond. Pseudomonas and other bacteria that live in water can cause ear infections.
Other causes of otitis externa include:
Scratching the ear or inside the ear
Having a foreign object stuck in the ear
● Cleaning the ear canal too vigorously with a cotton swab or small objects can injure the skin
● Wearing unclean headphones
● Chronic skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis

4. Diagnosis and treatment of otitis externa

Your doctor will diagnose otitis externa by otoscopy, taking a sample of pus in the ear to test for the type of bacteria or fungus that has caused the infection.
Treatment of otitis externa requires medication prescribed by a doctor. In most cases, the person will need to use antibiotic drops for 10 to 14 days.
Other treatments:
● Use antibiotics if a middle ear infection or infection is widespread
● Use corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
● Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) )
Applying warm water can help relieve mild pain. Do not wet the ear cavity for 1 week after all symptoms have disappeared.
People with chronic otitis externa may need long-term treatment or regular follow-up visits to avoid complications.
To prevent otitis externa, people need to avoid getting water into their ears by wearing earplugs or swimming caps when swimming. Do not let otitis externa become a chronic disease affecting health and hearing. See a doctor if pain persists despite treatment or if the ear feels blocked.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.
BSCK II Nguyen Van Thai was formerly a Doctor of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the Department of Otolaryngology - Hue Central Hospital with more than 17 years of treatment experience, especially in the field of Head and Neck Surgery. Currently, he is an Otolaryngologist at the Inter-Specialist Clinic of the Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine, Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.

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