Otitis is an ear inflammation that is frequent in the pediatric population. When inflammation affects the external ear, the otitis is external; When the middle ear is involved, there an otitis media. Otitis externa in children is very common in the warmer months . It therefore occupies a significant part of otolaryngology consultations and pediatric emergencies during the summer months. Otitis externa is characterized by an inflammatory process, usually with a bacterial cause, which occurs in the skin of the external auditory canal when there is a breakdown in the defense mechanisms of the skin of the ear canal. The defense mechanisms are: Skin integrity; The production of earwax; The normal flora; The pH of the skin. Protect skin integrity The use of cotton swabs or the introduction of any object to try to clean or scratch the ears, causes small abrasions on the skin which, in turn, serve as a gateway for bacteria that cause otitis. It must therefore be avoided . What is cerumen Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, is an important defense mechanism of the ear : It has bactericidal, antifungal and insect repellent properties; It lubricates the skin and waterproofs the ear canal; It helps ear cleaning. The self-cleaning mechanism of the ears “pushes” excess cerumen towards the outside, not requiring the use of cotton swabs for this purpose. Flora, pH and hot weather During the summer months, children usually spend a lot of time in the water , which causes changes in the skin pH and also in its normal flora, that protect against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria. External otitis cannot compromise the summer To help preventing this painful infection so that kids enjoy the summer: Do not use cotton swabs or other objects to manipulate the ear canal; Seek advice from an otolaryngologist about the benefits of active protection from water entering the ears; Whenever necessary, before the summer, seek the care of an otolaryngologist to remove excess wax and flaking. Seek medical care whenever necessary Do not underestimate the ear problems of children. To properly treat otitis media, it is essential to distinguish between otitis externa and otitis media , and this diagnosis must be made by a doctor. Otitis externa causes sudden and intense ear pain, decreased hearing, fluid coming out of the ear and often fever. There is often prior exposure of the ear canal to water. Otitis media is usually preceded by a viral upper respiratory infection, with obstruction and runny nose. Otitis externa and otitis media have their own characteristics, but clinical history and otoscopy are essential to decide the correct approach , which often involves cleaning and aspiration of the ear canal, in addition to drug therapy. Author : Beatrice Neves Meet the otorhinolaryngology clinial team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
