Otitis externa overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Otitis externa''' ("swimmer's ear") is an [[inflammation]] of the outer [[ear]] and ear canal. Along with [[otitis media]], external otitis is one of the ''two'' human conditions commonly called "[[earache]]". It also occurs in many other species. Inflammation of the [[skin]] of the ear canal is the essence of this disorder. The inflammation can be secondary to dermatitis (eczema) only, with no microbial infection, or it can be caused by active bacterial or fungal infection. In either case, but more often with infection, the ear canal skin swells and may become painful and/or tender to touch. | '''Otitis externa''' ("swimmer's ear") is an [[inflammation]] of the outer [[ear]] and ear canal. Along with [[otitis media]], external otitis is one of the ''two'' human conditions commonly called "[[earache]]". It also occurs in many other species. Inflammation of the [[skin]] of the ear canal is the essence of this disorder. The inflammation can be secondary to dermatitis (eczema) only, with no microbial infection, or it can be caused by active bacterial or fungal infection. In either case, but more often with infection, the ear canal skin swells and may become painful and/or tender to touch. | ||
==Differentiating Otitis Externa from other Diseases== | |||
Acute [[otitis media]] and acute otitis externa are easily confused because both can cause earache and drainage from the ear ([[otorrhea]]). [[Otitis media]] is the inflammation of the [[tympanic membrane]] and [[middle ear]] space and is usually clinically distinct from otitis externa. Importantly, persistent earache without the physical findings of ear infection can be due to more serious, even lifethreatening, conditions, and should always be investigated by an otolaryngologist. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 19:40, 5 December 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Otitis externa ("swimmer's ear") is an inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. Along with otitis media, external otitis is one of the two human conditions commonly called "earache". It also occurs in many other species. Inflammation of the skin of the ear canal is the essence of this disorder. The inflammation can be secondary to dermatitis (eczema) only, with no microbial infection, or it can be caused by active bacterial or fungal infection. In either case, but more often with infection, the ear canal skin swells and may become painful and/or tender to touch.
Differentiating Otitis Externa from other Diseases
Acute otitis media and acute otitis externa are easily confused because both can cause earache and drainage from the ear (otorrhea). Otitis media is the inflammation of the tympanic membrane and middle ear space and is usually clinically distinct from otitis externa. Importantly, persistent earache without the physical findings of ear infection can be due to more serious, even lifethreatening, conditions, and should always be investigated by an otolaryngologist.