otitis externa vs otitis media
| CLINICAL SIGNS | OTITIS EXTERNA | OTITIS MEDIA |
|---|---|---|
| Ear pain | Yes | Yes, often improved when discharge commences |
| Discharge | Scanty | Mod/severe Mucopurulent |
| Hearing | Later onset muffled | Early onset |
| Preceding URTI | No | Often |
| Tender ear canal | Yes, very | No |
| Periauricular swelling | Yes in severe secondary to soft tissue cellulitis | No unless mastoiditis |
| Canal swelling | Yes | No |
| Ear drum | Can be difficult to visualise due to canal debris | Red bulging, oedematous, or perforated |
| Associated with intracranial complications | No (unless immuno- compromised) | Yes |