Otitis: Symptoms, Assessment, and Treatment - Essay Example

"Otitis: Symptoms, Assessment, and Treatment" is a well-written example of a paper on symptoms.
There are various conditions that are challenging to humans. One condition that is a challenge to human is otitis externa also known as swimmer’s ear (Schaefer & Baugh, 2012). It is characterized by swelling of the outer ear canal and may also spread to the pinna and tympanic membrane (Schaefer & Baugh, 2012).  This is the acute level of the disease. However, the condition may spread to soft tissues and bones and is termed as malignant (necrotizing) otitis externa (MOE). MOE is commonly associated with older patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. This paper will reflect on symptoms, assessment, and referral and treatment options for otitis externa patients.  

The condition is characterized by various signs and symptoms. Symptoms occur instantly mostly within 48 hours (Long & Bloomberg, 2013). They include otalgia, pruritis, a form of pressure in the ear, drainage, and sometimes poor hearing (Long & Bloomberg, 2013). On the other hand, there are signs of inflammation. They include tenderness and pain upon turning of the pinna, pressure on the tragus, swelling of the outer auditory canal, and otorrhoea (Long & Bloomberg, 2013). A severe form of the condition may include perichondritis. There are various options for the assessment of the condition. The first most common is to check signs and symptoms associated with Pseudomonas infection and granulation tissue in a diabetic patient (Illing, Zolotar, Ross, Olaleye & Molony, 2011). Secondly, assessment is done on facial nerves, swallowing problems, and changes in voice associated with an infection of the cranial nerves. Moreover, changes are observed in the external auditory canal and may include inflammation (Illing et al., 2011). CT scan is also used to assess the extent of inflammation in the soft tissue.

Treatment options are available for otitis externa. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition: acute or malignant. The malignant cases usually take a long process of treatment. The success of such treatment is crucial, especially to diabetic patients. The meticulous toilet, antibiotics and management of glucose level are needed in such patients (Illing et al., 2011). Antibiotics are mostly used in treatment. The choice of antibiotics depends on hospital guidelines and microbiology advice. Initially, oral ciprofloxacin is administered. However, if the condition gets out of hand, intravenous antibiotics are administered (Illing et al., 2011). There is also a need to educate diabetic patients on the management of the condition. Patients need to be thoroughly taught on how to administer medication on the affected part. Additionally, the patient needs to be educated on how to minimize trauma to the ear and exposure to water (Schaefer & Baugh, 2012).  Once the patients are more informed, it will be easy to manage the condition.

An elaborate process for referral for treatment of the condition exists. Referral may occur once there is no improvement after treatment. As noted, the majority of the patients improve significantly in symptom after one day of treatment (Schaefer & Baugh, 2012). Failure to improve means that doctors have to reevaluate various issues related to the condition such as treatment adherence and misdiagnosis (Schaefer & Baugh, 2012).  A further complication is addressed using antimicrobial otics. Moreover, suspicion of MOE will need a physician to consult with an infectious disease specialist or otolaryngologist (Schaefer & Baugh, 2012).