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Otitis externa

A chapter-bounded Australian summary of otitis externa, using exact named Queensland PCCM content and any exact national source listed on this page.

JurisdictionAustralia
Source check2026-08-20
Clinical reviewiatroX editorial team · Clinical editorial review · reviewed 2026-08-20 · due 2027-08-20
AudienceHealthcare professionals practising in Australia
This is an iatroX educational summary of named Australia sources, not an official guideline. It does not replace the complete source documents, local policy, specialist advice or clinical judgement. Queensland PCCM otitis externa is a Queensland implementation source. Apply only the cited chapter scope and verify the equivalent state or territory pathway.

Scope

Acute otitis externa assessment under the exact Queensland PCCM adult and child chapter.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM otitis externa

The Bottom Line

  • Otitis externa can cause ear-canal pain, itch, discharge and tenderness with movement of the tragus or pinna.
  • Examine the canal and tympanic membrane where visible and distinguish canal infection from otitis media, foreign body and perforation.
  • Cleaning visible debris and delivering suitable topical treatment to the canal are central local-pathway actions.
  • Keep the ear dry during treatment and address swimming, instrumentation or skin disease that contributed.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM otitis externa

Practical clinical workflow

1
Ask about pain, discharge, hearing change, water exposure, trauma, devices, diabetes and immune compromise.
2
Record observations when unwell and inspect the pinna, mastoid, canal and tympanic membrane without traumatic instrumentation.
3
Select cleaning, wick and ear-drop care only when trained and under the current local chapter and product information.
4
Review persistent pain, swelling or discharge and reconsider fungal disease, perforation, foreign body or another diagnosis.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM otitis externa

Safety boundaries and escalation

  • Severe nocturnal pain, granulation, cranial-nerve change or invasive infection risk in diabetes or immune compromise requires urgent ENT assessment.
  • Do not use a potentially ototoxic preparation when the tympanic membrane is not intact or cannot be assessed without checking current product guidance.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM otitis externa

Implementation

Queensland PCCM otitis externa is a Queensland source. It supplies an Australian implementation example, not a national rule. Confirm the equivalent pathway, referral destination and medicine policy in the patient’s state or territory. Check current TGA product information for medicines. Offer culturally safe care and use the NACCHO–RACGP National Guide where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventive or chronic-care recommendations differ.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM otitis externa

Clinical use boundary

This independently written summary is not an official guideline. Check the linked source version, current TGA-approved product information where medicines are involved, and the applicable state, territory and local pathway at the point of care.

sources for this section:Queensland PCCM otitis externa

Source documents

Use the linked source documents for complete recommendations, evidence grading, exclusions and implementation detail.

  1. Queensland Health and Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland SectionPrimary Clinical Care Manual, 12th edition: Acute otitis externa — adult and childISBN 978-1-876560-22-5; Acute otitis externa — adult and child, pp. 518–521 · 12th edition 2025, v1.03 with updates through 21 July 2026; exact chapter at printed pages 518–521 · accessed 2026-08-20
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