Which of the Following Describes External Otitis

Question

Which of the following describes external otitis?
A) Pruritus and pain are common presenting problems.
B) It can be subclassified into serous or suppurative types.
C) It may be caused by rapid changes in atmospheric pressure.
D) Prevention includes prompt treatment of respiratory infections.

Accepted Answer

External otitis is an inflammation of the external ear canal, typically caused by bacterial or fungal infections, and characterized by pruritus (itching) and pain.

Answer: B
 External otitis can be divided into two categories – serous and suppurative. Serous otitis externa is an inflammation of the ear canal without bacterial infection, while suppurative otitis externa is characterized by bacterial infection and purulent ear discharge.

Answer: C
 Rapid changes in atmospheric pressure may sometimes lead to external otitis. This can occur during activities such as diving, flying, or being in an unpressurized airplane cabin.

Answer: None
 Prevention of external otitis does not typically involve prompt treatment of respiratory infections, but rather avoiding the use of foreign objects to clean the ears, avoiding exposure to irritants, and keeping the ear canal clean and dry.