External Otitis Media: symptoms, Types, management

Ear Infections:

 External Otitis Media:

Inflammation of the external ear is called external otitis media, which may involve the pinna and also the epidermal layer of tympanic membranes.

Types :

It can be divided into two types

1.     Acute external otitis media

2.     chronic external otitis media

Etiology :

1.     They are usually common in the summer and winter.

2.     It is caused by eczematous dermatitis fungus and bacterial infection. And also caused by trauma or the result of primary invasion of organism.

Sign and symptoms :

Acute E.O.M.

Feeling of hot burning sensation in the ear

Small amount of oozing will be present

Meatal line becomes inflamed and swollen

Chronic E.O.M

Severe itching due to irritated feeling

Oozing turns into crust.

Swollen meatus becomes dry and scally and has a feeling of impaired loss in hearing.

Management :

1.     Local treatment may include application of medication ointment or powders.

2.     Compresses to provide heat, soften crusts or supply medication. (Eg warm glycerin can be applied over swalling

3.     Cool application to lesson inflammation and relieve discomfort.

4.     Analgesics and antibiotic may also be ordered.

5.     Ointment is avoided with acute external otitis. Barrow' s solution (Aluminium aceste solution ) often is used for its astringent action which has cooling and sooring effect.

6.     In caring for person with either chronic or acute external otitis it is important to avoid further infection thus had washing is important.