Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A Clinical Profile in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

This is a retrospective study of sixty eight cases of chronic suppurative otitis media seen in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto from June 1998 to May 1999. It was commonest in the paediatric age group (68.82%).


The commonest symptom at presentation was ear discharge (100%), ear ache (26.47%), hearing loss (22.46%) and itchiness (10.29%). The commonest signs were ear discharge (100%) and tympanic membrane perforation (100%). All patients had the tubotympanic type of chronic suppurative otitis media.


Pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus were the most commonly cultured organisms (28.5% each). Cultures were sensitive to gentamicin and peflacine in most cases.


Chronic suppurative otitis media is a public health problem affecting mainly the paediatrics age group with attendant learning impairment, caused by some degree of hearing loss and frequent hospital visitation for treatment. Therefore, prevention is stressed to reduce the morbidity of the disease.


Key words: Chronic suppurative otitis media, pseudomonas aerugi nosa, hearing loss.


Sahel Med. J. Vol.6(3) 2003: 75-78