Ear Infections

It is an infection of the skin of the external auditory canal
Mostly seen after swimming [we call it swimmer’s ear]
The usual cause is either Staph Aureus or Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
It causes swelling and severe pain in the ear canal
It is usually treated with antibiotics + steroids ear drops
If the swelling is severe an ear wick is inserted [ urgent care , ER or ENT office]
If the infection is spreading beyond the ear canal to the skin around the ear then oral antibiotics should be added
In diabetic and immunosuppressed patients a fulminant infection can spread deep into the bone and this is called Malignant Otitis Externa, it is usually treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics.

It is usually caused by a blocked Eustachian tube [A] trapping respiratory bacteria and viruses in the middle ear cavity leading to [B] formation a pocket of infection (abscess in case of bacterial infection)
Infections are usually more common in pre school children due to the short and straight Eustachian tube while adults have a long and kinked tube
Common symptoms are fever and ear pain: Diminished hearing , vertigo and ringing may occur
Diagnosis is usually made by finding an angry red bulging inflamed tympanic membrane [ear drum] with effusion or fluids build up
Treatment in children is recommended if:
1-There is pus draining from ear or
2- There is moderate to severe pain for 2 days or
3-Temp is 102 or higher

The usual 1^st line antibiotic is Amoxil

For severe or recurrent infections we use Augmentin Or Omnicef

**** Recurrent infections in children requires ENT consultation for possible ear tubes placement

It is an infection of the skin of the external auditory canal
Mostly seen after swimming [we call it swimmer’s ear]
The usual cause is either Staph Aureus or Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
It causes swelling and severe pain in the ear canal
It is usually treated with antibiotics + steroids ear drops
If the swelling is severe an ear wick is inserted [ urgent care , ER or ENT office]
If the infection is spreading beyond the ear canal to the skin around the ear then oral antibiotics should be added
In diabetic and immunosuppressed patients a fulminant infection can spread deep into the bone and this is called Malignant Otitis Externa ,it is usually treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics

ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA
It is usually caused by a blocked Eustachian tube [A] trapping respiratory bacteria and viruses in the middle ear cavity leading to [B] formation a pocket of infection (abscess in case of bacterial infection)
Infections are usually more common in pre school children due to the short and straight Eustachian tube while adults have a long and kinked tube
Common symptoms are fever and ear pain: Diminished hearing , vertigo and ringing may occur
Diagnosis is usually made by finding an angry red bulging inflamed tympanic membrane [ear drum] with effusion or fluids build up
Treatment in children is recommended if:
1-There is pus draining from ear or
2- There is moderate to severe pain for 2 days or
3-Temp is 102 or higher

The usual 1^st line antibiotic is Amoxil

For severe or recurrent infections we use Augmentin Or Omnicef

**** Recurrent infections in children requires ENT consultation for possible ear tubes placement

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