Pediatric Otitis Externa/Swimmer's Ear

Otitis Externa is inflammation, irritation or infection of the ear canal. The ear canal is innervated by many sensory nerves and otitis externa can cause severe pain. Moisture trapped in the ear canal is a common source. It is not uncommon to find that these patients either swim often, scratch their ear frequently, use q-tips in the ear canal and or/ suffer from eczema. Bacteria multiply and create more moisture that can lead to fungal growth. Diabetics or immunocompromised patients can develop a severe type of outer ear infection call Malignant Otitis Extrerna in which the infection spreads deep and can cause neurological problems. The treatment for otitis externa is to remove or debride the the discharge in the canal followed by antibiotic and /or antifungal drops/powders. Ear wick may be required in cases of sever swelling of the canal and IV antibiotics may be required in severe cases and special imaging called a nuclear scan may be required for Malignant Otitis Externa.

Possible Testing

• Tympanogram
• Audiogram
• Microscopy
• MRI or CT of the brain
• Spinal tap

Fact Sheets

• Ear Infections and Earache
• Earache
• Ear Tubes
• Swimmer's Ear/Otitis Externa
• Ear Infections and Vaccines
• Doctor? ¿Por Qué a Mi Hijo Le Duele El Oído?