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Review
. 2024 Oct;70(10):617-623.
doi: 10.46747/cfp.7010617.

Approach to otitis externa

Janjulee Ellis  1 , Allison De La Lis  2 , Emily Rosen  3 , Matthew T W Simpson  4 , Michael M Beyea  5 , Jason A Beyea  6
Affiliations
Review

Approach to otitis externa

Janjulee Ellis et al. Can Fam Physician. 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: To provide family physicians with a practical evidence-based approach to management of otitis externa.

Sources of information: The approach described is based on MEDLINE and PubMed literature published between 1993 and 2023.

Main message: Otitis externa is diffuse inflammation of the external auditory canal and typically occurs from moisture exposure and trauma. Management focuses on eliminating infection, pain management, education, and preventing recurrence. The primary treatment of uncomplicated otitis externa is topical. Complicated presentations may require additional systemic therapy.

Conclusion: History taking and physical examination can help differentiate among acute, chronic, and necrotizing otitis externa. At-risk populations, typically those who are immunosuppressed, are more likely to develop necrotizing otitis externa and should be carefully monitored.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Otoscopic view of acute otitis externa: Note the canal edema, erythema, and lack of cerumen.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Otoscopic view of chronic otitis externa with characteristic dry, flaky canal
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Otoscopic view of otomycosis with fuzzy, cottonlike fungal hyphae
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Flowchart for management of patients with otitis externa
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Rosenfeld RM, Schwartz SR, Cannon CR, Roland PS, Simon GR, Kumar KA, et al. . Clinical practice guideline: acute otitis externa. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014;150(1 Suppl):S1-24. Erratum in: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014;150(3):504. - PubMed
    1. Hajioff D, MacKeith S.. Otitis externa. BMJ Clin Evid 2015;2015:0510. Epub 2015 Jun 15. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Estimated burden of acute otitis externa—United States, 2003-2007. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2011;60(19):605-9. - PubMed
    1. Rowlands S, Devalia H, Smith C, Hubbard R, Dean A.. Otitis externa in UK general practice: a survey using the UK General Practice Research Database. Br J Gen Pract 2001;51(468):533-8. - PMC - PubMed

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