Otitis externa

Otitis externa
Infection of the skin covering the outer ear canal that leads in to the ear drum, usually due to bacteria such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas. Swimmer’s ear is usually caused by excessive water exposure. When water pools in the ear canal (frequently trapped by wax), the skin will become soggy and serve as an inviting culture media for bacteria. The first sign of otitis externa is that the ear feels full and may itch. Next the ear canal swells, ear drainage follows, and the ear is very painful, especially with movement of the outside portion of the ear. The ear canal can swell shut and the side of the face become swollen. The glands of the neck may enlarge, and it can become more difficult to open the jaw. Moisture and irritation will prolong the course of otitis externa. For this reason, the ear should be kept dry. While showering or swimming, use an ear plug (one that is designed to keep water out), or use cotton with Vaseline on the outside. Scratching the inside of the ear or using Q-tips should be avoided. A hearing aid should be left out as much as possible until swelling and discharge stops. The most common treatment consists of antibiotic ear drops (Cortisporin, Volsol, Cipro) with or without an oral

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otitis ex·ter·na -ek-'stər-nə n inflammation of the external auditory canal specif SWIMMER'S EAR

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inflammation of the external auditory canal.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Otitis externa — Classification and external resources A severe case of otitis externa. Note the narrowing of the external auditory channel and swelling of the auricle. ICD 10 H …   Wikipedia

  • otitis externa — Inflamación o infección del conducto auditivo externo o del pabellón auricular del oído externo. Las causas más importantes son la alergia, las infecciones por bacterias, hongos y virus y los traumatismos. Entre las alergia …   Diccionario médico

  • Otitis externa — Gehörgangsentzündung mit Ohrmuschelekzem …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • otitis externa aguda — f. otorrin. Afección del revestimiento cutáneo del conducto auditivo externo o de la membrana timpánica, cuyo origen suele ser infeccioso. Produce un dolor muy intenso, especialmente cuando se presiona sobre el trago. El tratamiento debe… …   Diccionario médico

  • otitis externa diffuse — otitis externa involving a relatively wide area, without formation of a furuncle. Cf. circumscribed o. externa …   Medical dictionary

  • Otitis externa diffusa — Gehörgangsentzündung mit Ohrmuschelekzem Klassifikation nach …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Otitis externa in animals — Pustules , small raw circles or patches in a dogs ear, typical of some kinds of otitis of bacterial infection. (detailed image) Otitis externa is an inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. Animals are commonly prone to ear infection, and… …   Wikipedia

  • otitis externa acute — acute infection of the cartilaginous external auditory meatus, caused by either a fungus (otomycosis) or a bacteria (acute bacterial otitis externa). It is common in swimmers and in hot, humid weather. Symptoms include pain and swelling,… …   Medical dictionary

  • otitis externa circumscribed — acute bacterial otitis externa in a limited area with formation of a furuncle, which may obstruct the canal; usually due to a staphylococcal infection. Cf. diffuse o. externa. Called also furuncular o. externa and furuncular o …   Medical dictionary

  • otitis externa acute bacterial — acute otitis externa caused by a bacterial infection, usually with a species of Pseudomonas and less often with Staphylococcus and formation of a furuncle. See also circumscribed o. externa …   Medical dictionary

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