Differences between otitis externa and otitis media
Dec 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Otitis externa is an acute or chronic inflammation involving the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the external auditory canal. The symptoms of acute necrotizing otitis externa include pain, with a burning sensation in the ear at the initial stage of the disease, followed by progressively worsening fullness and pain within the ear. The pain may become so severe that it intensifies during chewing or talking, causing significant discomfort and restlessness. As the condition progresses and secretions increase, drainage begins from the external auditory canal and gradually becomes more pronounced.
Otitis media is a common clinical ear disorder caused by fungal or bacterial infections, which significantly affects people's daily lives and physical health. So what is the difference between otitis externa and otitis media?
Difference between otitis externa and otitis media
Otitis externa is an acute or chronic inflammation involving the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the external auditory canal. The main symptom of acute suppurative otitis externa is pain. In the early stage of the disease, patients may feel a burning sensation in the ear, followed by increasing fullness and pain inside the ear, which can become so severe that even chewing or talking causes discomfort. As the condition progresses, secretions begin to drain from the external auditory canal, gradually increasing in amount. Initially, the discharge is thin and watery but later turns into pus. In chronic otitis externa, patients often experience discomfort in the ear canal and may have occasional discharge of small amounts of secretion.
Otitis media refers to inflammatory conditions of the mucous membrane of the middle ear. Acute suppurative otitis media is an acute purulent inflammation of the middle ear mucosa caused by bacterial infection. The primary site of the lesion is the tympanic cavity, although inflammation may also occur in other parts of the middle ear, including the mucosa of the mastoid prominence. Acute suppurative otitis media is more commonly seen in children. Clinically, it is characterized by ear pain, purulent discharge from the ear, and signs such as congestion and perforation of the eardrum.
Individuals suffering from otitis media or pharyngitis in daily life should pay more attention to self-care, strengthen their resistance and immunity, and avoid worsening of the condition, so as not to affect their health and daily activities. We hope this answer has been helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!!
