Discussion on Otitis Externa

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In discussing otitis externa, the diagnosis can be explained by misdiagnosis. Some patients are diabetic immunocompromised with severe pain in the ear should have necrotizing OE excluded by an otolaryngologist. Otitis externa is an inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal, the auricle, or both. It is a common disease that can be found in all age groups. OE usually represents an acute bacterial infection of the skin of the ear canal (most commonly attributable to Pseudomonas aeruginosa or staphylococcus aureus, but can also be caused by other bacteria, viruses, or a fungal infection. Several factors can contribute EAC infection and development of OE, include the following, absence of cerumen, high humidity, retained water in ear canal, increase temperature, local trauma. Although OE rarely causes prolonged problems or serious complications, the infection is responsible for significant pain and acute morbidity. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy cure the majority of cases without complications, however, patients who are diabetic, immunocompromised, or untreated may develop necrotizing OE, a potentially life-threatening. (Medscape 2014).
Primary treatment of otitis externa involves management of pain, removal of debris from the external auditory canal, administration of topical medications to control edema and infections, and avoidance of contributing factors. Most cases can be treated with over-the-counter analgesics and topical eardrops. Commonly used eardrops include acetic acid drops, which change the pH of the ear canal, antibacterial drops, which control bacterial growth, and antifungal preparations. In severe cases, oral or intravenous antibiotic therapy and narcotic analgesics may be requi...

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...ludes weight management and regular activity is the primary advice. Type 2 diabetes will be first managed with a drug call Metformin after checking that lifestyle changes alone are ineffective in controlling blood sugar. Other methods are patients are advised to regularly monitor their blood glucose to prevent fluctuations. They need to take extra precautions like attend check-ups, regular eye checks, adequate foot care, wear a medi-alert bracelet and have some sugar available at hand for emergency low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia episodes.

References

Otitis Externa. Retrieved on January 28, 2014. . From the website

www.emedicine.medscape.com

News-Medical.net Retrieved on January 28, 2014. From the website

www.News-Medical.Net

CDC Arthritis. Retrieved on January 28, 2014. From the website

www.cdcthearthritischallenge-rheumaticarthritis

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