Otitis Externa and Malignant Otitis Externa-for the Hospitalist/Internist.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Otitis externa presents with varied chronicity and severity.
• Acute otitis externa is defined as <6 weeks, chronic as >3 months.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the clinical presentation and management of otitis externa.
• To differentiate between acute, chronic, and malignant forms.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical characteristics and treatment modalities for otitis externa.
• Discussion of diagnostic hallmarks and complications.

Main Results:

• Standard treatment involves ototopical agents and aural hygiene.
• Chronic otitis externa may necessitate professional debridement.
• Malignant otitis externa, now osteomyelitis of the temporal bone, presents with severe pain and potential cranial neuropathies.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of otitis externa depends on accurate diagnosis of its type and severity.
• Malignant otitis externa requires prompt and aggressive intervention due to its severity and potential complications.