Otitis externa history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Luke Rusowicz-Orazem, B.S.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Symptoms for all forms of otitis externa are primarily pain, itching, and swelling of the ear canal. Symptoms of chronic, recurrent otitis externa include lack of earwax and buildup of dead skin causing narrowing of the ear canal. Symptoms of malignant necrotizing otitis externa include severe ear pain, facial paralysis, difficulty opening mouth, and difficulty swallowing. History of allergies, aquatic-based occupations, or exposure to sources of immunocompromise, including chemotherapy and diabetes mellitus should be considered in otitis externa patients.

History[edit | edit source]

• History of allergies should be considered for dermatitis caused otitis externa.^[1]
• History of an occupation involving swimming, scuba-diving, or surfing should be considered.
• Sources of immunocompromise in a patient history should be considered for malignant otitis externa:
  • Chemotherapy
  • Diabetes mellitus

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of acute otitis externa include the following:^[2]

• Ear pain
• Itching of the ear canal
• Swelling of the ear canal
• Redness of the ear canal
• Pressure inside the ear
• Discharge
• Pain in the jaw when in motion
• Partial hearing loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Scaley skin in the ear canal

Symptoms of chronic, recurrent otitis externa include the following:^[3]

• Persistent itching of the ear
• Lack of earwax
• Buildup of dead skin causing narrowing of the ear canal

Symptoms of malignant necrotizing otitis externa include the following:^[4]

• Severe ear pain
• Facial paralysis
• Difficulty opening mouth
• Difficulty swallowing

References[edit | edit source]

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