From the Guidelines
Clinical Presentations of Fungal Acute Otitis Externa (AOE)
The provided evidence does not directly address the clinical presentations of Fungal Acute Otitis Externa (AOE). However, based on the suggestions provided, the clinical presentations can be summarized as follows:
- Infectious/Inflammatory/Infiltrative:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge in the ear canal
- Neurology:
- Otalgia (ear pain)
- Radiating pain to the temporomandibular joint or face
- Temporary hearing loss
- Sensation of fullness in the ear
- Vascular/Hematology:
- Localized vasodilation
- Increased blood flow to the affected area
- Erythema (redness)
- Swelling
Special Considerations
- Immunocompromised patients may experience more severe symptoms and have a higher risk of invasive fungal infections or dissemination to other parts of the body.
- Potential side effects of oral antifungal medications, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, should be considered in patients taking these medications.
Note: The provided evidence 1 does not directly address Fungal Acute Otitis Externa, and the information provided is based on the suggestions section.
From the Research
Clinical Presentations of Fungal Acute Otitis Externa (AOE)
The provided evidence 2 does not directly address the clinical presentations of Fungal Acute Otitis Externa (AOE), but it mentions that the most common fungi involved in external otitis are Aspergillus and Candida species.
- Infectious/Inflammatory/Infiltrative:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge in the ear canal
- Neurology:
- Otalgia (ear pain)
- Radiating pain to the temporomandibular joint or face
- Temporary hearing loss
- Sensation of fullness in the ear
- Vascular/Hematology:
- Localized vasodilation
- Increased blood flow to the affected area
- Erythema (redness)
- Swelling
Special Considerations
- Immunocompromised patients may experience more severe symptoms and have a higher risk of invasive fungal infections or dissemination to other parts of the body.
- Potential side effects of oral antifungal medications, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, should be considered in patients taking these medications.
- Fungal Acute Otitis Externa can lead to serious complications, such as necrotising otitis externa, which requires prompt medical attention, as mentioned in the provided evidence 2.
Additional Nuances
- The infection can cause significant discomfort and debilitation, with symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, and discharge in the ear canal.
- Patients may experience otalgia (ear pain), which can be severe and radiate to the temporomandibular joint or face.
- The fungal infection can lead to inflammation and potentially spread to surrounding tissues if left untreated.
- In immunocompromised patients, Fungal Acute Otitis Externa can be more severe and potentially life-threatening, with a higher risk of invasive fungal infections or dissemination to other parts of the body.