Main Article Content
The Chronic Discharging Ear in the Tropics: A useful management guide for primary care physicians
Abstract
Background
Ear discharge is a common encounter in otorhinolaryngology clinics in the tropics. It is particularly prevalent in developing countries with the under-five being mostly at risk. Primary care physician are often the first point of call and major source of referrals. Although, ear discharge is both a symptom and sign of disease but not a diagnosis; accurate diagnosis and initial management and/or promptness of referral decision by the primary care physician have a bearing on the outcome.
There are many areas of controversies, insufficient evidence and limited knowledge about inflammation and infection of the ear and how they can be treated in the face of rising bacteria resistance to antimicrobial agents. Nevertheless, little has changed in the core principle of management and indications for referral to the otorhinolaryngologist. We review current literature and published peer reviewed studies in Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of systematic reviews for articles in English language to highlight the clinical features and possible management of the (non-wax, non-CSF) discharging ear where resources are deficient.
Keywords: ear discharge, primary care, tropics, otitis media, otitis externa
Savannah Journal of Medical Research and Practice 2017;6(2):01-08
Ear discharge is a common encounter in otorhinolaryngology clinics in the tropics. It is particularly prevalent in developing countries with the under-five being mostly at risk. Primary care physician are often the first point of call and major source of referrals. Although, ear discharge is both a symptom and sign of disease but not a diagnosis; accurate diagnosis and initial management and/or promptness of referral decision by the primary care physician have a bearing on the outcome.
There are many areas of controversies, insufficient evidence and limited knowledge about inflammation and infection of the ear and how they can be treated in the face of rising bacteria resistance to antimicrobial agents. Nevertheless, little has changed in the core principle of management and indications for referral to the otorhinolaryngologist. We review current literature and published peer reviewed studies in Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of systematic reviews for articles in English language to highlight the clinical features and possible management of the (non-wax, non-CSF) discharging ear where resources are deficient.
Keywords: ear discharge, primary care, tropics, otitis media, otitis externa
Savannah Journal of Medical Research and Practice 2017;6(2):01-08
