ear, nose, and throat disorders
External Otitis (Acute)
Introduction
External otitis is an acute infection of the ear canal skin typically caused by bacteria (Pseudomonasis most common). Symptoms include pain, discharge, and hearing loss if the ear canal has swollen shut; manipulation of the auricle causes pain. Diagnosis is based on inspection. Treatment is with debridement and topical drugs, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, andacetic acidor a combination, and dry ear precautions. External otitis may manifest as a localized furuncle or as a diffuse infection of the entire canal (acute diffuse external otitis). The latter is often called swimmer’s ear; the combination of water in the canal and use of cotton swabs is the major risk factor. Malignant External Otitis is a severe (usually 