To Determine the PH of External Auditory Canal in Otitis Externa: A Prospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Health Care Centre.

Abstract

Otitis externa is an inflammatory condition of the external auditory canal which occurs due to any trauma, changes in the PH of the skin of external auditory canal. The normal PH of the external auditory canal skin should be in the acidic medium. This inhibits the growth of certain infectious microorganisms. Once the external canal skin PH becomes alkaline, the chances of inflammation of the skin increases. To assess the pH of the external auditory canal in cases of otitis externa with secretion and compare the treatment efficacy of treating it with topical anti-inflammatory like ichthammol glycerine, topical steroid cream and oral antibiotics. A prospective observational study involved a total of 120 patients who came with symptoms and signs of external otitis. pH of external canal was measured during first visit and at 42days. The patients were divided into three groups. First group was treated with Ichthammol glycerine, second group was treated with Ichthammol glycerine with topical steroid cream and third group was treated with oral antibiotics with topical steroid cream. Patients were analyzed based on severity score during first visit, at 7days, at 21days and 42days. This study involved 64(53.3%) patients were male and 56(46.7%) were females. The mean age group involved in the study was 42.50years. The mean PH value in the external auditory canal during the first visit was alkaline (6.09) and the mean PH value at 42days was changed to acidic (4.95) which was statistically significant (p = 0.00). There was significant reduction in the severity score in the oral antibiotic with topical steroid cream, followed by IG with topical steroid cream followed by Ichthammol glycerine (p = 0.001). In this study we have analyzed the pH level favorable in causing otitis externa and the best available treatment for the same. It has been observed that the alkaline Ph is more favorable in causing otitis externa. Efficacy of Topical corticosteroid with antibiotics is maximum in the management of otitis externa.