What is malignant otitis externa?

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Malignant otitis externa is an ear infection that has spread to the adjacent tissues including the bones of the face and jaw. The condition develops in the ear canal and moves to the eardrum.

Bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa often trigger malignant otitis externa. Almost 90% of cases who develop the condition have diabetes. Remember that this is a serious form of infection rather than a malignancy or cancer. If not promptly treated, it can be dangerous.

malignant-otitis-externa
Ear pain that worsens when the head is moved.

What are the causes?

Malignant otitis externa occurs if the individual has other health issues or under treatment that weakens the immune system such as:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Diabetes
  • AIDS
  • HIV

If the individual has a compromised immune system and an aggressive bacterial strain enters the ear canal, the body has a hard time fighting the infection.

In case the bacteria trigger an infection, it can damage the tissues of the ear canal and bones at the base of the skull. If not promptly treated, the infection might spread to the brain, cranial nerves and other parts of the body.

Indications

The indications of the condition are quite evident such as:

  • Hearing loss
  • Continuous and foul yellowish or greenish drainage from the ear
  • Persistent itchiness in the ear canal
  • Ear pain that worsens when the head is moved
  • Fever
  • Weakness of the facial muscles
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Laryngitis or loss of voice
  • Swollen and reddened skin around the ear

In case any of these symptoms develop, a doctor should be consulted right away. Prompt treatment can stop the spread of the infection.

Management of malignant otitis externa

The treatment for malignant otitis externa generally includes antibiotics. The antibiotics must be taken for several months. In severe cases, it might be administered intravenously. The treatment is continued until the tests reveal that the infection is gone.

Surgery might be needed if there is significant damage to the tissues. The procedure involves the removal of the damaged tissues. The surgery is usually done after the infection has cleared.

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