Otitis Externa – Ear Infection

WHAT IS OTITIS EXTERNA?

Otitis externa, also known as outer ear infection, is a common inflammatory condition of the ear, usually caused by infection, and affects up to 10% of the population.^{1, 6}

PREVALENCE

Especially common in children, and more likely to occur in those who are frequently exposed to water. ^{1, 3}

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Swimmer’s ear is a form of otitis externa caused when water gets trapped in the ear canal after swimming. ^{1, 3}
Otitis externa not only affects swimmers but also those with eczema or excess earwax. It may even occur from excessive cleaning of the ear canal, contact with chemicals (such as hair spray), or contact with bacteria in hot tubs and Jacuzzis. ^{3, 4}

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS

Pain
Itching
Redness
Swelling
Draining of fluids or pus
Difficulty in hearing
Ringing in the ear
Dizziness or vertigo
Nausea or vomiting
Diagnosis is mostly based on symptoms and physical examination of the ear canal with a lighted scope called an otoscope.

WHAT DOES THE SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE SAY ABOUT TREATMENT?

Laboratory tests conducted by Larry C. Ford MD from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UCLA School of Medicine, revealed that silver kills viral, fungal and bacterial organisms and over 650 bacteria, parasites, molds and fungi that have potential to sprout disease. The tests established that silver has no known side effects. ⁵
In Medscape, July 2016, an article by Ariel A. Waitzman states that the primary treatment for otitis externa (OE) should involve the management of pain, removal of debris from the external auditory canal (EAC) and the administration of topical medications to control oedema and infection. ¹ Another 2012 article in the South African Pharmaceutical Journal confirmed this. ³
The panel at the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery recommends that patients with swimmer’s ear be treated with eardrops and not oral antibiotics. ⁴ The Academy adds that treating swimmer’s ear with antibiotics is ineffective and promotes bacterial resistance. ⁴ In addition, a 2013 article in the Journal for Global Advances in Health and Medicine concludes that homeopathy appears equivalent to, and safer than, conventional standard care in comparative effectiveness trials for the management of uncomplicated otitis in children.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF OTITIS EXTERNA

The removal of debris, impurities, bloody crusts and moisture from the ear canal is vital for treating otitis externa or swimmer’s ear.
Position the head with one ear facing upwards. Place 8 drops of Liquid into it.
For best results, hold this position for 2 minutes or more before draining the contents onto a tissue. Repeat if necessary.
Repeat the same process for the other ear and allow canals to dry.
The bottle may be warmed to body temperature by placing it close to the body, for example in a pocket, or warmed up by placing it in clean, warm water not exceeding 38°C.
To prevent contamination of the drops, the bottle should not be immersed in water past the top of the label.
The product may be used for extended periods of time.