Inflammation of the outer ear canal (otitis externa): What you need to know

Otitis externa, also known as otitis externa, is a common disease of the ear. It occurs most commonly in children, adolescents, and adults who swim a lot. Otitis externa usually resolves on its own, but in some cases it can progress dangerously. The following article will show the symptoms of otitis externa. As well as any danger signs that you need to take your child to the doctor right away. It also lists simple things you can do to protect your family from this disease.

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1. What is otitis externa?

>> Watch the following video to see if you finally have otitis externa or not?

Otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear canal and the outer ear canal. The outer ear canal is the part that extends from the ear opening to the eardrum.

Otitis externa by itself is not contagious.

Inflammation of the outer ear canal (otitis externa): What you need to know

Figure 1: Anatomy of the human ear

2. Causes of otitis externa

Swimming can lead to otitis externa. Because water in the ear canal becomes a place for bacteria to grow.

Infection can also occur when the thin layer of skin lining the inside of the ear canal is damaged. Scratching the ear canal, using inappropriate headphones, or picking at the ear with a cotton swab can all damage this delicate protective layer. When this layer of skin is damaged, bacteria can enter and cause inflammation of the outer ear canal.

Earwax is the ear's natural defense against infection. But frequent wetness or abrasions to the skin of the ear canal can cause earwax to no longer perform its protective function. This makes infection more likely.

Inflammation of the outer ear canal (otitis externa): What you need to know

Figure 2: Self-rotating with a cotton swab can damage the skin of the ear canal and lead to otitis externa

3. Who is most at risk?

Anyone can get otitis externa, but the following people are most at risk:

  • Swim often . Swimming is the biggest risk factor for otitis externa. Especially when swimming in water with a high concentration of bacteria. Pool water that is adequately chlorinated is less likely to spread bacteria.
  • Shower or rinse your ears with water too often. This can also make the ear more susceptible to water retention and infection.
  • Children. Children's ear canals are often smaller than adults, so the risk of disease is higher. This is because the narrower the outer ear canal, the higher the risk of water pooling inside.
  • Use headphones or hearing aids regularly.
  • Atopic dermatitis , eczema
  • Irritation of the skin around the ear canal from chemicals applied to the hair also increases the risk of the disease.

>> Wearing hearing aids is one of the causes of otitis externa. So what is a hearing aid? When do you need a hearing aid?

Inflammation of the outer ear canal (otitis externa): What you need to know

Figure 3: Swimming is the biggest risk factor for otitis externa 

4. Signs of otitis externa

Symptoms of otitis externa include:

  • Swollen ear canal
  • Redness of the ear canal
  • Heat, pain, or discomfort in the ear.
  • Itchy ears
  • Drainage, purulent ear discharge
  • Tinnitus or hearing loss

Severe pain in the face, head, or neck can be a sign that the infection has progressed significantly. Accompanying symptoms such as fever or painful swelling of the lymph nodes may indicate a more serious infection. If you have ear symptoms that go along with these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.

>> Ear pain is one of the symptoms that you have an otitis externa. What are the common causes of ear pain ? Find out now!

Inflammation of the outer ear canal (otitis externa): What you need to know

Figure 4: Ear pain is a common manifestation of otitis externa

5. What is the difference between otitis externa in children and adults?

Children, especially those who often swim and play in water, are at higher risk of otitis externa. At the same time, children's ear canals are smaller than adults, making it more difficult for water to drain out of the ears. This increases the risk of ear infections.

Ear pain is the most common symptom of otitis externa. In children who are not yet able to speak, there may be signs of:

  • Pull yourself, scratch your ears
  • Crying when touching my ear
  • Drainage from the ear
  • Fever
  • Crying more than usual or having trouble sleeping

>> Inflammation of the outer ear canal can affect a child's hearing. Read the article about recognizing and dealing with children's hearing problems as soon as possible!

Inflammation of the outer ear canal (otitis externa): What you need to know

Figure 5: Babies crying when they touch their ears can be a sign of otitis externa 

6. Complications and dangerous signs of otitis externa

If otitis externa is left untreated and cannot heal on its own, it can lead to dangerous complications. If you fall into the following cases, you should see a doctor immediately for timely treatment.

  • Abscesses can develop around the ear. Need an incision to drain the abscess.
  • Prolonged infection of the ear canal can cause the outer ear canal to narrow. This affects hearing.
  • Tear or perforation of the eardrum . This condition is usually caused by the patient inserting something into the ear. Signs of a perforated eardrum include hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and discharge or blood from the ear.
  • Necrotizing (malignant) otitis externa is rare. But this is an extremely serious complication. Common in people with diabetes or immunocompromised.

Immunocompromised people are more likely to get sick. In these cases, if left untreated, it can lead to death. This is a medical emergency, symptoms include:

7. How is otitis externa diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose otitis externa by asking about your symptoms and observing them with an otoscope. In some cases, the doctor may order an otoscope to look inside more closely.

Inflammation of the outer ear canal (otitis externa): What you need to know

Figure 6: Observation with an otoscope – Source: Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck

8. How to treat otitis externa?

Otitis externa can go away on its own without any treatment.

If it doesn't go away on its own, it can usually be treated well with antibiotic ear drops.

Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ear drops to reduce swelling in the ear canal. These ear drops are usually used several times a day, for 7 to 10 days.

If otitis externa is caused by a fungus, your doctor will prescribe antifungal ear drops. Fungal otitis externa usually occurs in diabetics or immunocompromised individuals.

To relieve symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to keep the ears dry. The infection can then heal faster.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve ear pain. In cases of severe pain, prescription pain relievers are needed.

9. Measures to prevent otitis externa

Prevention is always better than treatment. Keeping the ear as dry as possible reduces the risk of infection of the outer ear canal.

Measures to protect you and your family from otitis externa include:

  • Use cotton balls or soft earplugs to prevent water from entering your ears while bathing. If water gets into the ear, shake it gently, tilt your head to let the water out, and then wipe the ear canal with a clean towel.
  • Use a swim cap or earplugs when swimming.
  • Use a towel to dry your head and ears after every swim or shower.
  • Avoid scratching, picking or using tools that can cause ear damage such as cotton swabs, etc.
  • Do not remove earwax yourself
  • Use a mixture of vinegar and isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol, available in pharmacies at a concentration of 70%). This mixture helps to dry out the water left in the ear after swimming. Includes 50% alcohol, 25% vinegar and 25% distilled water. You can put 5-10 drops in each ear after swimming, hold for a few minutes, then tilt your head to let the rest drain out, and then let it dry.

Inflammation of the outer ear canal (otitis externa): What you need to know

Figure 7: Let your child use a swimming cap that covers their ears or earplugs when swimming

However, in some cases it can be severe. Always watch for danger signs to see a doctor promptly. You can protect yourself and your family from otitis externa through the simple actions outlined above.

Doctor Su Ngoc Kieu Chinh


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