From the Guidelines
Fungal Acute Otitis Externa (External Ear Infection) typically presents with symptoms such as pruritus, pain, hypoacusis, and otic discharge, often accompanied by a visible fungal infection.
Clinical Presentations
The clinical presentations of Fungal Acute Otitis Externa include:
- Pruritus (itching)
- Pain
- Hypoacusis (hearing loss)
- Otic discharge, which may have a characteristic odor and appearance, such as a cotton-like or cheesy texture
- Visible fungal infection, such as a white, yellow, or black discharge
Associated Factors
These symptoms may be associated with a history of:
- Swimming
- Trauma to the ear canal
- Use of earplugs or hearing aids
- Impaired mucosal or cutaneous immunity, such as in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic eczema, or HIV infection
- Use of corticosteroids
Treatment
Treatment options for Fungal Acute Otitis Externa include:
- Topical therapy using irrigations with acetic acid or boric acid
- Topical antifungal creams and ointments, such as nystatin, clotrimazole, and ketoconazole
- Orally administered antifungal medications, such as itraconazole, voriconazole, or posaconazole, which may be effective in severe cases or in immunocompromised patients 1.
From the Research
Clinical Presentations of Fungal Acute Otitis Externa
The clinical presentations of Fungal Acute Otitis Externa (External Ear Infection) can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Otorrhea (discharge from the ear) 2
- Otalgia (ear pain) 2
- Pruritus (itching) 2
- Tympanic membrane perforation (a hole in the eardrum) 2
Patient Populations
Fungal pathogens may be an especially important cause of ear canal disease in certain populations, including:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is made by clinical inspection and selective cultures 4. Therapy consists of: