What is the most common symptoms of otitis externa?
Symptoms may include:
- Redness of the outer ear.
- Itching in the ear.
- Pain, especially when touching or wiggling the ear lobe that may spread to the head, neck, or side of the face.
- Drainage from the ear.
- Swollen glands in the upper neck or around the ear.
- Swollen ear canal.
- Muffled hearing or hearing loss.
What two signs or symptoms in a child are most likely caused by otitis media?
Signs and symptoms of ear infection
- Ear pain (most common complaint)
- Unusual irritability.
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
- Tugging or pulling at one or both ears.
- Fever.
- Fluid draining from the ear.
- Loss of balance.
- Hearing difficulties.
What is the cardinal symptom of otitis externa?
The 5 cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function.
What are the common assessment findings associated with otitis externa?
The key physical finding of OE is pain upon palpation of the tragus (anterior to ear canal) or application of traction to the pinna (the hallmark of OE). Examination reveals erythema, edema, and narrowing of the external auditory canal (EAC), and a purulent or serous discharge may be noted (see the image below).
Can otitis externa make you feel ill?
The otitis externa infection spreads to the bone beside the ear and causes swelling, discharge and pain. People with this condition are likely to feel very unwell. It is mainly caused by a germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It requires a lengthy course of antibiotic ear drops and tablets.
Can otitis externa cause severe pain?
Otitis externa is often referred to as “swimmer’s ear” because repeated exposure to water can make the ear canal more vulnerable to inflammation. Symptoms of otitis externa include: ear pain, which can be severe.
What happens if otitis externa is left untreated?
Without treatment, infections can continue to occur or persist. Bone and cartilage damage (malignant otitis externa) are also possible due to untreated swimmer’s ear. If left untreated, ear infections can spread to the base of your skull, brain, or cranial nerves.
What is the complication of otitis externa?
Potential complications of otitis externa include malignant otitis externa, mastoiditis, osteomyelitis, and intracranial spread. Malignant otitis externa is an extension of OE into the mastoid and temporal bones.
Does otitis externa cause fever?
Fever may be present, but if it exceeds 38.3°C (101.0°F), more than simple local otitis externa should be considered.
Is otitis externa painful?
Pain can be excruciating, and the degree correlates with the severity of the condition. Patients are generally afebrile, and a temperature higher than 101°F suggests extension beyond the canal or another diagnosis. Other symptoms include itching, ear fullness, hearing loss, or jaw pain.