Keywords
ear canal
infection
otitis externa
otalgia
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Staphylococcus aureus
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of topical antibiotic therapy alone versus combined topical and systemic antibiotic therapy in the management of acute otitis externa.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, over a period of 9 months. Visual Analogue Scale score (VAS) for otalgia, canal erythema, oedema, and tenderness were recorded at presentation, 3rd, and 7th day follow-ups. Data were analysed using SPSS 23; categorical variables were expressed as percentages and continuous variables as mean ± SD, with Independent Samples t-test and Mann–Whitney U test applied as appropriate, considering p < 0.05 statistically significant.
Results: Both groups showed improvement; however, combined therapy resulted in a greater reduction in pain scores (VAS) at follow-ups (p < 0.001). Significantly better improvement was demonstrated in otalgia (p = 0.019), itching (p = 0.001), canal oedema (p < 0.001), and erythema (p < 0.001), while no significant difference was observed for otorrhea (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Combined topical and systemic antibiotic therapy provided faster symptomatic relief in cases of acute otitis externa. Microbiological data gathering should be encouraged to facilitate targeted therapy and support antimicrobial stewardship principles.
Keywords: Ciprofloxacin, External auditory canal, Infection, Otitis Externa, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
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