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Otitis Externa, Pediatric

Melissa Long, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • 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...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • 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 ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • 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...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

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

  • Immunocompromised p...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • 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...

CODES

ICD9

  • 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 ...

FAQ

  • 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 ...

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