Otomycosis: management challenges and outcomes in a resource poor country
Keywords:
Otomycosis, antifungal ear drops, aural toileting, humidity, fungal studies, resource poor country.Abstract
Background: Otomycosis is one of the commonest causes of otitis externa seen in otorhinolaryngology clinics especially in tropical regions of the world. This study determines the prevalence of otomycosis in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and highlights its management challenges and outcomes.
Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients seen in the Ear, Nose, and Throat clinics of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, within a period of 5 years (from January 2009 to December 2013) who were diagnosed clinically with Otomycosis. Data extracted include; demographic data (age and sex), clinical features, predisposing factors, treatment and management outcomes. Data were illustrated using simple statistical tables and figures.
Results: Our study revealed that out of 7486 patients seen in our clinics, 1115 were diagnosed clinically with Otomycosis, indicating a prevalence of 14.9%. Out of this, males were 553 (49.6%) and females 562 (50.4%) with M: F ratio of 1:1.02. The commonest 1108 (99.4%) symptom was itching in the ears followed by otalgia 998 (89.5%).The commonest 1113 (%) otoscopic finding was whitish debris in the external auditory canal.
The commonest 560 (50.22%) treatment modality used was ear syringing with warm normal saline + wick packing with antifungal cream + the use of antifungal ear drop (figure 2).
Conclusion: Clinical diagnosis of otomycosis and uninterrupted medical treatment with antifungal agents for 6 weeks after appropriate ear toileting can give good clinical outcomes despite the absence of facilities for laboratory diagnosis.
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