Diseases of External Ear
Congenital Defects of External Ear
- Definition: Congenital defects refer to abnormalities present at birth.
- Types:
- Microtia
- Macrotia
- Auricular appendages
- Cryptotia
- Stahl's ear
- Clinical Features: Visible deformities on the ear
- Complications: Cosmetic issues, difficulty in ear hygiene
- Management: Surgical correction to improve appearance and function
- Treatment: Reconstructive surgery using autologous cartilage grafts
Trauma of External Ear
- Definition: Injury to the external ear
- Causes:
- Accidental blows
- Assault
- Sports injuries
- Clinical Features:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Lacerations
- Complications:
- Management:
1 → Initial assessment → Stabilization → Cleaning of wound → Antibiotics → Surgical repair
- Treatment: Surgical repair to restore appearance and function
Infections of External Ear
- Definition: Infection of the external ear
- Types:
- Otitis externa
- Perichondritis
- Malignant otitis externa
- Causes:
- Bacterial infection
- Fungal infection
- Allergic reaction
- Clinical Features:
- Complications:
- Management:
1 → Initial assessment → Antibiotics → Rest → Pain relief
- Treatment: Antibiotics and rest to control infection and prevent complications
Wax, Foreign Bodies and Neoplasm of External Ear
- Definition: Abnormalities within the external ear canal
- Types:
- Cerumen impaction
- Foreign bodies
- Neoplasms (benign and malignant)
- Clinical Features:
- Hearing loss
- Pain
- Discharge
- Complications:
- Management:
1 → Initial assessment → Irrigation → Removal of foreign body → Biopsy
- Treatment: Removal of wax and foreign bodies, and surgical excision of neoplasms
Management of Wax and Foreign Body Removal
- Definition: Removal of wax and foreign bodies from the external ear canal
- Techniques:
- Irrigation
- Micro-suction
- Endoscopic removal
- Complications:
- Management:
1 → Initial assessment → Preparation → Irrigation → Micro-suction
Homoeopathic Remedies for Diseases of External Ear
- Definition: Homoeopathic medicines for external ear diseases
- Remedies:
- Aconitum napellus (for acute pain)
- Calcarea carbonica (for chronic infections)
- Graphites (for chronic pain)
- Pulsatilla nigricans (for allergic reactions)
- Indications:
- Pain
- Infection
- Allergic reactions
- Dosage:
- 6C to 30C potency
- 3 to 5 times a day
- Contraindications:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Allergies to homoeopathic medicines