OTC - ear problems

Question 1

Otitis media symptoms?

Answer 1

• common in children with a cold/influenza
• throbbing earache
• mucopurulent discharge
• pain in mastoid area
• self limiting - 3 days

Question 2

Otitis externa symptoms?

Answer 2

• “swimmers ear”
• skin inflammation of the ear canal - pain
• itchy

Question 3

Ear wax build up symptoms?

Answer 3

• temp deafness

- ear discomfort/sensation that ear is blocked

Question 4

Referral criteria for otitis media?

Answer 4

• pain does not resolve with analgesics
• systemic symtpoms
• no improvement in 72 hours
• high risk of serious complication e.g. immunosuppression
• mastoiditis present (a serious bacterial infection that affects the mastoid bone behind the ear)
• children under 2 yrs with bilateral otitis media

Question 5

Otitis externa referral symptoms?

Answer 5

• deafness
• tinnitus (ringing)
• vertigo
• blocked ears
• discharge (infected?)
• n+v
• bleeding
• children under 12

Question 6

Ear wax build up referral symtpoms?

Answer 6

• discharge from ear canal
• persistent pain within the ear
• tinnitus
• OTC failure - can refer for syringing

Question 7

OTC products?

Answer 7

OTITIS MEDIA

• simple analgesics
• self limiting

OTITIS EXTERNA

• earcalm spray 12+ (acetic acid 2%)
• treat mild superficial infections
• refer if no improvement after 2 days

EAR WAX BUILD UP

• cerumolytics
• water based ear drops: sodium bicarb - care
• oil-based: olive oil (earol), arachis oil (cerumol)
• peroxide ear drops: hydrogen peroxide (otex)
• surfactant ear drops: docusate (waxsol)

Question 8

Advice?

Answer 8

OTITIS MEDIA

• self limiting and resolves within 3 days
• treat pain with simple analgesic

OTITIS EXTERNA

• can be caused by allergy or irritation or ear canal
• wear ear plugs when swimming
• avoid shampoo/soap in ears

EAR WAX BUILD UP

• the ear is self cleaning
• do not clean with cotton buds as this can cause wax impaction