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What are the symptoms of ear canal infection?

Sep 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In general, ear canal infections usually refer to otitis externa. Symptoms of otitis externa mainly include hearing loss, itching, pain, purulent discharge, and swelling of the external ear canal. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. In addition, increased earwax production may also occur. Patients should seek timely medical attention and receive appropriate treatment to prevent serious complications.

In general, ear canal infections usually refer to external otitis. Symptoms of external otitis mainly include hearing loss, itching, pain, purulent discharge, and swelling of the external auditory canal. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Hearing Loss

As inflammation progresses, secretions in the external auditory canal gradually increase. Some patients may also experience symptoms such as tinnitus and hearing loss. It is recommended that patients avoid digging their ears. Frequent ear cleaning can easily injure the external auditory canal, leading to infection and inflammation, and may even damage the eardrum. When severe itching occurs, a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of alcohol or glycerin can be gently used to wipe the external auditory canal.

2. Itching

Bacterial infection of the skin in the external auditory canal, or trauma caused by frequent ear digging, may trigger inflammatory reactions and excessive secretions, resulting in itching. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as normal saline (sodium chloride solution) or ofloxacin ear drops may be used.

3. Pain

In more severe cases of external otitis, obvious traction pain and tenderness in the auricle area may occur. As the condition progresses, local congestion, blisters, and swelling may appear later. Medications such as ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen tablets can be taken according to medical advice.

4. Purulent Discharge

If acute episodes of external otitis are caused by bacterial infection, there may be significant purulent discharge within the ear canal. Antibiotics such as cefixime dispersible tablets or penicillin V potassium tablets may be prescribed orally, along with antibiotic ear drops for treatment.

5. Swelling of the External Auditory Canal

This condition is a chronic nonspecific inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the external auditory canal caused by bacterial or fungal infections or allergies. It primarily occurs during summer and autumn and may lead to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and pus in the external ear canal. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride ear drops or hydrogen peroxide solution.

In addition, increased earwax production may also occur. Patients should seek timely medical attention and receive appropriate treatment to prevent serious complications.


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