Malignant Otitis Externa: A Serious Infection Requiring Immediate Attention
A severe ear canal infection, malignant otitis externa, can have serious consequences if left untreated. This condition, often linked to diabetes and compromised immune systems, requires prompt attention.
Malignant otitis externa, or skull base osteomyelitis, is a rare but serious infection that can spread to surrounding tissue, bones, and even the brain. It's caused by bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, with over 90% of cases occurring in people with diabetes. Unlike swimmer's ear, it's not caused by water in the ear canal.
Symptoms include persistent foul-smelling drainage, ear pain, hearing loss, itching, fever, difficulty swallowing, facial muscle weakness, loss of voice, and swollen, red skin around the ear. Diagnosis involves a physical exam, health history, and tests such as CT, MRI, or radionuclide scans to determine if the infection has spread. Prevention includes treating swimmer's ear infections completely and managing underlying health conditions.
Treatment typically involves long-term antibiotic therapy, sometimes intravenously, and may require surgery to remove damaged tissue. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening, spreading to the brain, cranial nerves, and other parts of the body. Recurrent infections can cause permanent damage.
Malignant otitis externa is a severe infection that requires immediate medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications, especially for those with diabetes or compromised immune systems.
