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Acute Otitis Externa — MRCGP AKT MCQ

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EasyENT & OphthalmologyAcute Otitis ExternaMRCGP AKT

A 24-year-old with acute otitis externa complains of severe ear pain and discharge. According to CKS guidance, which first-line treatment is typically recommended?

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Correct answer: C — Topical antibiotic or combined antibiotic-corticosteroid ear drops

First-line management of uncomplicated acute otitis externa is with topical antibiotic or antibiotic-corticosteroid ear drops (e.g., neomycin with betamethasone). Oral antibiotics are reserved for severe or spreading infection. Nasal steroids do not address otitis externa. Ear irrigation alone is not sufficient treatment if infection is established.

Reference: CKS Otitis Externa