Ear Infection: Overview of Otitis Externa

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Otitis externa, is one of the common types of ear infection. The other type of ear infection is otitis media. Both affect the Otolaryngology organ system. Otitis externa is also known as “swimmers ear” and affects the external ear canal. That is why it is called otitis externa, because the affect is to the external air canal. Otitis externa is called swimmers ear because swimmers develop this condition when water settles in the ear and mixes with the cerumen (ear wax). This combination is ideal for bacteria and fungus.
”Otitis externa may also be caused by dermatologic conditions, such as psoriasis or seborrhea, certain traumas to the ear canal or continuous use of earplugs and earphones. Anything that can obstruct the ear passage and used continuously over time, may cause otitis externa. Persons that working in environments where they constantly use earplugs or if you sleep with earplugs; this could create a problem and otitis externa is developed. Earphones are another factor that affects the ear and causes otitis externa infection. This is another object that is constantly in the ear; causing it to not get proper air.
Otitis externa is diagnosed by a culture taken from the ear canal. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment begins with, antibiotics or steroid drops. These drugs are used are used to treat the inflammation in the ear. This condition is very painful, because of the inflammation and swelling of the auditory canal. Patients may also complain of hearing loss and purulent (pus like) drainage from the ear. To cure the condition and not have it return patients must keep the ear canal clean and dry of the condition will continue and becomes a chronic condition.
“Rheumatoid Arthritis is the autoimmune inf...

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...blood into the cells, patients can experience fatigue, weight loss, drowsiness, itching of the skin, to name a few. Patients with diabetes mellitus can lose limbs due to necrosis.
Type I Diabetes are often found or developed in children and young adults. It was previously called “juvenile diabetes”. Type II diabetes are found in adults and can be seen at any age. This is non insulin dependent diabetes.
Diabetes Mellitus can be diagnosed through blood work. Blood is drawn from the patient and tested.

References
Kinn’s, 2011. The Medical Assistant: An Applied Learning Approach. Sanders-
Elsevier, Publisher, St. Louis, MI. Information retrieved on January 28, 2014.

Webmd.com (2014). (Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center). Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Retrieved January 28, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/diagnosing-ra

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