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Otitis externa in UK general practice: a survey using the UK General Practice Research Database.
S Rowlands1, H Devalia, C Smith
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital, Nottingham. sam.rowlands@epic-uk.org
Summary
Otitis externa is a common condition, particularly in females, with a seasonal increase in late summer. Topical ear drops, especially those with steroids, are the most effective UK general practitioner treatment for reducing subsequent otitis externa episodes.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Epidemiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Otitis externa is a frequent clinical issue in primary care.
- Limited data exist on patient demographics and UK general practitioner (GP) management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of otitis externa in the UK general population.
- To outline first-line drug treatments used by UK GPs.
- To identify factors influencing recurrent otitis externa episodes.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective epidemiological survey using data from the UK General Practice Research Database (1997).
- Analysis of patient demographics, treatment prescribed, and subsequent disease episodes.
- Definition of disease persistence (≤28 days) and recurrence (>28 days).
Main Results:
- Otitis externa affects all age groups, more commonly females (except elderly), with a late summer peak.
- Ear drops were the primary treatment (85%), often combined with steroids/antibiotics; oral antibiotics were used in 21%.
- Steroid-containing ear drops correlated with lower persistence rates; oral antibiotics were linked to higher persistence and recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Otitis externa is common, with seasonal variations, and GPs manage most cases with topical treatments.
- Topical ear drops, particularly steroid combinations, are associated with better outcomes within 28 days.
- Understanding epidemiological factors and treatment effectiveness aids optimal otitis externa management.