Bacteria, fungi, and viruses have all been implicated in causing ear infections called otitis externa. The most common cause of otitis externa is bacterial infection. The usual offenders include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes.
Antibiotics which can be applied directly to the skin of the ear canal (topical antibiotics ) are usually excellent for treatment of otitis externa. These are often combined in a preparation which includes a steroid medication.
bacterial infection
True
Keeping the ear dry is an important aspect of prevention of otitis externa. Several drops of a mixture of alcohol and acetic acid can be put into the ear canal after swimming to insure that it dries adequately.
Otitis externa can be quite painful and is often caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. If someone thinks they may have a case of otitis externa, it is probably best to schedule an appointment with their physician right away to have it evaluated and properly treated.
Otitis externa is an inflammation of the outer ear canal, often called swimmer's ear. Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually due to an infection. Otitis interna is an inflammation of the inner ear, which can affect balance and hearing.
The name of an ear infection (otitis) depends on its location:Outer ear: otitis externa - this is usually a fungal infectionMiddle ear: otitis media - this is usually a bacterial infectionInner ear: otitis interna - aka labyrinthitis
Swimmer's ear
The first symptom of otitis externa is often itching of the ear canal. Eventually, the ear begins to feel extremely painful. Any touch, movement, or pressure on the outside structure of the ear (auricle) may cause quite severe pain.
ICD-9-CM diagnosis code is 112.82
Otitis media is the medical term meaning inflammation of the lining of the middle ear. This condition is what we typically think of as a child's ear infection.
if the patient has bilateral otitis externa and if impacted cerumen is presnt in both ears