|
Page: Symptoms
Main article
| Home > Ear, Nose and Throat Problems > Symptoms |
Pain is the predominant complaint and the only symptom directly related to the severity of external otitis. Unlike other forms of ear infections, the pain of external otitis is worsened when the outer ear is touched. Pushing the tragus (that tablike portion of the auricle that projects out just in front of the ear canal opening) so typically causes pain in this condition as to be diagnostic of external otitis on physical examination. Patients may also experience ear discharge and itchiness. When enough discharge in the ear canal is present to clog the opening, external otitis may cause temporary conductive hearing loss.
Because the symptoms of external otitis promote many people to attempt to clean out the ear canal (or scratch it) with slim implements, and self-cleaning attempts generally lead to additional trauma of the injured skin, rapid worsening of the condition often occurs. Worsening is also common in the vacationer who continues holiday swimming despite symptoms of mild external otitis.
|
Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
|