Abstract
The commonest cause of ear-ache in children is otitis externa and five new cases of otitis externa will be seen for every case of otitis media.
Acute otitis externa and otitis media are quite different and distinct clinical entities in children: the former is a tender, dirty, pruritic ear, often recurring in children with simple febrile illnesses; the latter is more isolated than is realised, non-recurrent and usually accompanying upper respiratory catarrhal illness.
The fleeting nature of otitis externa as seen in childhood is typical of clinical material in general practice that presents quite differently from that in hospital practice. The long aetiological lists quoted in all series of cases of otitis externa in adults do not apply to otitis externa as seen in children.
- © Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
