Acute Otitis Externa

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

History

Acutely painful ear +/- discharge +/- muffled hearing.

Clinical Findings

Inflamed ear canal with pus/debris.

Management

Water precautions/ avoid cotton buds/ in ear headphones.
Treat topically with Sofradex 3 drops X3/day for 1 week or Otomise 1 spray X3/day for 1 week with GP follow up if not improving.
If canal completely occluded can insert otowick which should be removed 2-3 days later.
If severe - for urgent ENT clinic referral.
If associated cranial nerve palsies discuss with ENT same day.
Take microbiology swabs if resistant to initial topical treatment or in immunocompromised patients.

Last reviewed: 18/09/2023

Next review date: 18/09/2026

Author(s): Carr E.

Version: 1

Author email(s): esmond.carr@nhs.scot.

Approved By: McCarthy C

Reviewer name(s): Carr E.

Editorial Information