Otitis Externa, Pediatric

Diffuse inflammation of external auditory canal with or without infection

Also known as “swimmer’s ear”

May be categorized as acute, chronic, or malignant

• Acute: rapid onset, usually ba...

Symptoms are rapid in onset (generally within 48 hours) and include otalgia (70%), pruritus (60%), a sense of fullness (22%), drainage (32%), and occasionally impaired hearing.

90% of ...

Pain management

• For mild to moderate pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen and application of heat or cold packs often will suffice.

• For severe pain, a short course of narcotics may...

Reevaluate if symptoms do not improve within 2 to 3 days of initiating treatment, progression of symptoms despite treatment, or severe illness.

Immunocompromised p...

Conover K. Earache. Emerg Med Clin North Am.  2013;31(2):413–442. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

Ely JW, Hansen MR, Clark EC. Diagnosis of ear pain. Am Fam Physician.  200...

380.10 Infective otitis externa, unspecified

380.12 Acute swimmers’ ear

380.16 Other chronic infective otitis externa

380.22 Other acute otitis externa

380.23 Other chronic otitis externa

380.13 ...

Q: How should I clean my child’s ear?

A: The external ear can be cleaned with a washcloth. Cotton swabs or other objects should not be inserted into the ear canal, as they may cause trauma or lead ...