16. REVIEW OF ACUTE OTITIS EXTERNA

Nguyen Trieu Viet1, Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong1
1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

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Abstract

Acute otitis externa is a common condition involving inflammation of the ear canal. The acute form is primarily caused by bacterial infections, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus being the most common pathogens. Acute otitis externa is characterized by rapid onset of inflammation of the ear canal, causing ear pain, itching, canal edema, erythema, and otorrhea, often occurring after swimming or minor trauma due to poor hygiene. Pain on moving the pinna or tragus is a very common symptom. Topical antibacterials or antibiotics such as acetic acid, aminoglycosides, polymyxin B, and quinolones are the treatment of choice in uncomplicated cases. These agents are available as preparations with or without topical corticosteroids; the addition of corticosteroids may result in more rapid resolution of symptoms. The choice of treatment is based on several factors, including the conditions of the tympanic membrane, undesirable side effects, compliance, and cost. Neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone preparations are reasonable first-line therapy when the tympanic membrane is intact. Oral antibiotics are reserved for infections that have spread beyond the ear canal or in patients at risk of rapid progression of the infection.


Key word: acute otitis externa, antibiotic, antifunfal agent

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