Understanding Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear) in Australia

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What is otitis media & outer ear infection?

Otitis media and outer ear infections are common in babies and young children. There are ways to manage your child's discomfort and stop infections. Otitis media (middle ear infection) is a common childhood illness causing earache and fever. It usually gets better quickly with pain relievers but sometimes antibiotics are needed.

What are the complication of otitis externa?

Complications of otitis externa are uncommon, but some can be very serious. One rare complication of otitis externa is necrotising otitis externa, which is where an infection spreads from the ear canal into the surrounding bone. This requires prompt treatment with antibiotics and sometimes surgery, as it can be fatal if left untreated.

What is an outer ear infection?

An outer ear infection happens when the normally protective and ‘water-proof’ skin of the ear canal gets irritated or scratched, and then gets infected. This can happen when a person:

What causes malignant external otitis?

Malignant external otitis is a severe (usually Pseudomonas) osteomyelitis of the temporal bone, usually affecting older adults, diabetics, and immunocompromised patients. Acute diffuse external otitis is usually caused by bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, or Escherichia coli.

What should I do if I have external otitis?

Repeated cleanings and treatments may be needed to fully eradicate the infection. Dry ear precautions (eg, wearing shower cap, avoiding swimming) are strongly advised for both external otitis and fungal external otitis. A blow dryer on a low setting can also be used to reduce the humidity and moisture in the canal.

What Is Otitis Externa

1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/swimmers-ear
2. https://eyeandear.org.au/patients-visitors/fact-sheets/otitis-externa/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swimmers-ear/symptoms-causes/syc-20351682
4. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/external-ear-disorders/external-otitis-acute
5. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/otitis-externa
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otitis_externa
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556055/
8. https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/earache-ear-pain/ear-infection-otitis-externa
9. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8381-swimmers-ear-otitis-externa

Otitis Externa Information

1. https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/best-practice-improvement/clinical-guidance/emergency/otitis-externa
2. https://pch.health.wa.gov.au/For-health-professionals/Emergency-Department-Guidelines/Otitis-externa
3. https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-02/otitis-externa.pdf
4. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/1304394/otitis-externa-guideline.pdf
5. https://melbentgroup.com.au/otitis-externa/
6. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/external-ear-disorders/external-otitis-acute