Treatment of External Ear Canal Inflammation
Fast and Effective Relief for Ear Pain
Inflammation of the external ear canal is one of the most common ear problems and can be quite uncomfortable. It can cause pain, itching, and discomfort in the ear, but with timely and professional treatment, symptoms can be effectively alleviated. Our ENT clinic offers precise diagnostics and targeted treatment for ear inflammation, ensuring quick relief and prevention of recurrence.
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
ENT specialist with many years of experience
Advanced diagnostic technology
Effective and safe treatment
Individualized approach
What is External Ear Canal Inflammation?
External ear canal inflammation (otitis externa) is a common condition for which patients visit an ENT specialist, especially during summer. It involves inflammation of the outer ear canal but can spread to the auricle and may be acute or chronic.
Common causes of external ear inflammation include:
-
Water retention in the ear ("swimmer’s ear")
-
Mechanical injuries to the ear canal (e.g., cotton swabs)
-
Bacterial or fungal infections
- Chronic skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis)
Symptoms of External Ear Canal Inflammation
-
Ear pain, especially when touching the outer ear or chewing
-
Feeling of fullness in the ear
-
Itching and burning sensation
-
Reduced hearing
-
Ear discharge (watery, purulent, or foul-smelling)
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation, so it is normal for patients to experience only some of these signs. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment
At IMED Polyclinic and Day Hospital, an experienced ENT specialist performs a detailed otoscopic examination and, if necessary, takes an ear swab for microbiological analysis.
Treatment depends on symptom severity and cause but usually includes:
-
Local therapy (antibiotic or antifungal ear drops, gauze strips coated with antibiotic ointment)
-
Ear canal cleaning (otomicrocopic ear toilet)
-
Pain relief medication
-
Systemic antibiotics (in severe cases)
-
Antifungal therapy (for fungal infections)
Once started, treatment should not be stopped after symptoms initially improve! Therapy must continue for several days after improvement to fully eliminate the inflammation.
How to Prevent Recurrence?
To prevent recurrence of ear inflammation, it is important to maintain proper ear hygiene, protect against moisture, and promptly treat any emerging issues.
If prone to infections, use ear protection while swimming and thoroughly dry the outer ear after bathing. Avoid inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal; use them only to clean the outer ear to prevent pushing wax deeper or damaging the ear canal.
Regularly check your hearing and ear hygiene with a doctor and seek ENT specialist help at the first sign of new symptoms.
Head of the ENT Clinic
Prim. Katarina Đurić Vuković, MD, is a specialist in otorhinolaryngology with a subspecialty in plastic and reconstructive head and neck surgery. She specializes in diseases of the nose and sinuses and has extensive clinical experience in ENT diagnostics, outpatient, and surgical treatment.
There’s no reason to endure the pain.
Book a specialist appointment and get rid of your ear pain once and for all at IMED Polyclinic!