Question 1

what is the lay term for "otitis externa"?

Accepted Answer

Swimmer's ear: "itis" means inflammation. "oto" or something like that means ear. So otitis means inflammation of ear.  Externa just refers to outer part of ear (canal & visible portion) which is inflammed. Otitis media is the more common middle ear infection (other side of drum) in kids. Otitis externa is more common in swimmers (surfers, too) who can't/don't dry their ears completely.

Question 2

what would be the layman's term for "otitis externa"?

Accepted Answer

See details: Infection of the outer ear, the part of the ear canal that links the outside to the ear drum.

Question 3

what are the symptoms associated with otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Pain: These patients have ear pain that is worse when they pull on there ear or press near the ear canal.

Question 4

otitis externa still not going away. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor : Otitis externa, especially one that does not resolve with initial antibiotic drops, should be evaluated by a doctor.

Question 5

my husband's grandparent might have otitis externa. what is it?

Accepted Answer

Swimmer's ear: Sometimes a small drop of water can get trapped behind a small piece of wax in the ear canal, either from swimming or bathing. Then, because it is a warm place, bacteria or fungus can grow causing pain and swelling, which can be severe. Ear drops and sometimes oral antibiotics and steroids are used to treat this condition.

Question 6

is there anything i can do to deal with the pain of otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

See an ENT: For more details, see my patient information sheet at http://www.Richmondent.Com/assets/downloads/ear-nose-throat/ears-hearing/swimmers-ear.Pdf.

Question 7

my child has otitis externa. what is the best way to explain it to the other kids?

Accepted Answer

See an ENT: For more details, see my patient information sheet at http://www.Richmondent.Com/assets/downloads/ear-nose-throat/ears-hearing/swimmers-ear.Pdf.

Question 8

can you fly with otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

See below: You may be okay as long as you don't have inner ear (otitis media) involvement with the otitis externa or fluid behind your tympanic membrane.  If you do that would be very painful on the flight.

Question 9

what could cause bloody discharge with otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Invasive infection: It could either due to era drum rupture of invasive bacterial infection like from pseudomonas. Need to see a doctor.

Question 10

can i buy over-the-counter remedies for otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Otitis externa: Hello, mix 2 parts white vinegar with 3 parts water and irrigate your ear 3x/day for 7-10 days.

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Doctor answers about:

Otitis externa

A member asked:

What is the lay term for "otitis externa"?

A member asked:

What would be the layman's term for "otitis externa"?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms associated with otitis externa?

A member asked:

Otitis externa still not going away. what should i do?

A member asked:

My husband's grandparent might have otitis externa. what is it?

A member asked:

Is there anything i can do to deal with the pain of otitis externa?

A member asked:

My child has otitis externa. what is the best way to explain it to the other kids?

A member asked:

Can you fly with otitis externa?

A member asked:

What could cause bloody discharge with otitis externa?

A member asked:

Can i buy over-the-counter remedies for otitis externa?

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