Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is malignant otitis externa (malignant otitis externa)?
- How common is malignant otitis externa?
- Signs and symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of malignant otitis externa?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes malignant otitis externa?
- Risk Factors
- What puts me more at risk of developing malignant otitis externa?
- Treatment
- How is malignant otitis externa diagnosed?
- How is malignant otitis externa treated?
- Home Remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat malignant otitis externa?
Definition
What is malignant otitis externa (malignant otitis externa)?
Malignant otitis externa, or in medical terms it is called malignant otitis externa, is one ear infection. This condition is also known as necrotizing otitis externa (necrotizing otitis externa). This disease develops in the inner ear. In some situations, malignant otitis externa can spread to the outer ear and surrounding tissue that includes the jawbone and face.
How common is malignant otitis externa?
External otitis is usually caused by bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. More than 90% of patients with malignant otitis externa (malignant otitis externa) also have diabetes. This condition is more common in warm, humid climates. This situation can be treated by reducing the risk factors.
Signs and symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of malignant otitis externa?
The signs and symptoms of malignant otitis externa are not difficult to recognize. Symptoms can include:
- An unpleasant-smelling yellow or greenish discharge from the ear
- Ear pain that gets worse especially if you move your head
- Hearing loss
- Itching sensation in the ear canal
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weakened facial muscles
- Loss of voice or laryngitis
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor. Early treatment can help reduce other health complications resulting from infection.
When should I see a doctor?
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this condition from getting worse and prevent other medical emergencies, so talk to your doctor right away to prevent serious conditions.
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes malignant otitis externa?
This condition usually occurs when you have other health problems or are on medication that can weaken your immune system or immune system, including:
- Diabetes
- HIV / AIDS
- Chemotherapy treatment
If you have a weakened immune system or aggressive bacteria get into your ears, your body may have a hard time warding off infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria, it can damage the tissue in the ear canal and the base of your skull. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the brain, cranial nerves, and other parts of the body.
Risk Factors
What puts me more at risk of developing malignant otitis externa?
One of the most common factors causing this condition is swimming, especially in fresh water. Other factors can also include skin conditions, such as eczema and seborrheic, trauma from cleaning the wax, use of external devices such as hearing aids, and accumulated wax.
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is malignant otitis externa diagnosed?
The doctor will perform a physical examination to determine whether you have malignant otitis externa or not. This examination includes a medical history to identify underlying conditions that can weaken your immune system.
During the exam, your doctor will look inside the ear for infection. The doctor can also examine the part of your head and back of your ear. If there is fluid discharged from the ear, the doctor will take a sample of the fluid. They will send the sample to a laboratory for analysis. This can help identify the bacteria causing the infection.
If you have malignant otitis externa, your doctor may order additional tests to see if the infection has spread. Some of the tests include:
- Neurological examination
- CT scan head
- MRI head
- Radionuclide scan
How is malignant otitis externa treated?
There are two treatment options commonly used to treat your infection. The treatment you choose is usually based on the condition you have.
Antibiotics
Treatment of malignant otitis externa usually involves antibiotic therapy. This condition can be difficult to treat. You may have to take antibiotics for months, you may even need to use intravenous antibiotics (through a vein in your hand) if your condition is severe. Your treatment should continue until the test results show the infection is gone.
Operation
If there is damage to important tissue due to infection, you may be advised to undergo surgery. Surgery is performed to remove the damaged tissue. Your doctor will tell you if you need surgery. The operation is performed after the infection has cleared up.
Home Remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat malignant otitis externa?
Recommended home remedies include:
- Do not scratch or clean the inside of the ear cotton bud, hair clips, fingernails, or other objects.
- Avoid using ear plugs or in-ear headphones that's too long. Same as cotton budThey can cause irritation and itching and can clog your ears with wax.
- Keep soap, foam, and shampoo away from the ear canal. These products can cause itching and irritation.
- Keep your ears dry.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
