Chronic otitis externa:

Chronic otitis externa:

Otitis externa (OE) is an inflammation, that can be either infectious or non-infectious, of the external auditory canal. In some cases, inflammation can extend to the outer ear, such as the pinna or tragus. OE can be classified as acute, lasting less than 6 weeks, or chronic which lasts more than 3 months. 

Causes

Conditions that can lead to swimmer's ear include:

• Water that gets trapped in the ear canal, for example from swimming or showering often
• Loss of ear wax, a natural protectant, due to too much water entering the ear canal or removing too much wax when cleaning ears
• Injury to ear caused by putting objects into the ear, such as fingers, pen/pencils, paper clips, hair clips
• Swimming in polluted water
• Other skin conditions that affect the ear canal, such as eczema or psoriasis

Symptoms

Symptoms of otitis externa include:

• ear pain, which can be severe
• itchiness in the ear canal
• a discharge of liquid or pus from the ear
• some degree of temporary hearing loss

Diagnosis

Following tests are used to diagnose otitis externa

Routine laboratory testing and/or ear canal cultures are not necessary or indicated for uncomplicated cases. However, cultures are recommended for recurrent or resistant cases of otitis externa, particularly in immunocompromised patients.