Acute external otitis and its differential diagnosis

Abstract

Acute external otitis is an inflammation of the ear canal, which can involve the pinna and the tympanic membrane. The history typically differentiates the presence of predisposing factors or contact with potentially contaminated water (swimmer's ear). A sudden onset with occurrence of ear pain, itching, otorrhea, and a physical examination revealing an inflammation of the ear canal and pain caused by manipulation on the tragus or pulling the pinna are crucial to the diagnosis. In uncomplicated acute external otitis, without the presence of risk factors, the therapy consists of cleaning the ear canal, application of topical medication and sufficient analgesic therapy. In the presence of a perforated tympanic membrane or the presence of a tympanostomy tube no ototoxic drugs may be prescribed. In general, the inflammation is responsive to the treatment, within 48-72 hours and is generally resolved after 6-7 days.