Acute diffuse external otitis: A prospective study in Rio de Janeiro's summer

Abstract

The acute external otitis is a very common disease in tropical countries, especially in summer. There are many predisposing factors and clinical features may vary, particularly the pain's severity. Aim: Evaluate, with a prospective study in Rio de Janeiro's largest Urgencies Hospital, the incidence and characteristics of the acute external otitis in summer. Study design: Clinical study with transversal cohort. Material and Method: 391 patients with acute external otitis in Souza Aguiar Hospital were evaluated in several clinical and treatment parameters, including predisposing factors analysis. Results: Pain, moderate ear discharge and sensation of "full ear" were the most common complaints. Sea and pool baths and the use of ear sticks were the most common predisposing factors. Conclusion: The acute external otitis is a very common disease in tropical countries, especially in summer. Sea and pools water contamination, although rejected by many authors as a predisposing factor, may have a role the patogenesis of the acute diffuse external otitis.