Name of the Condition

• Other infective otitis externa, left ear. Also known as swimmer's ear, this refers to an infection causing inflammation of the external ear canal.

Summary

• Other infective otitis externa, left ear, is an inflammation of the ear canal in the left ear, often resulting from a bacterial or fungal infection. It is frequently associated with water exposure, which makes the ear canal more susceptible to infections.

Causes

• The condition is primarily caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Prolonged water exposure, especially in swimming pools, causes water to remain trapped in the ear canal, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.

Risk Factors

• Spending extended periods in water (swimming).
• Excessive moisture in the ear from humidity or sweat.
• Aggressive cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs or foreign objects.
• Chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Symptoms

• Itching in the ear canal.
• Redness inside the ear.
• Discomfort or pain, especially when pulling on the ear or chewing.
• Fluid drainage from the ear.
• Reduced hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination by a healthcare provider, which may involve inspecting the ear canal with an otoscope. A culture may be taken if a fungal infection is suspected.

Treatment Options

• Ear drops: Antibiotic or antifungal ear drops to clear the infection.
• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Cleaning: Professional cleaning to remove debris and discharge from the ear canal.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, the condition generally resolves within 7-10 days. Follow-up may be necessary to ensure the infection has cleared, especially if symptoms persist.

Complications

• Untreated infections can lead to chronic otitis externa, secondary infections, or in severe cases, loss of hearing.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Keep ears dry by using earplugs while swimming or drying ears thoroughly after exposure to water.
• Avoid inserting foreign objects into the ears.
• Use a hairdryer on a low setting to gently dry ears after swimming.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent pain, fever, or swelling around the ear.
• Discharge that is yellow, green, or bloody.
• Symptoms that do not improve with home care after several days.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery: AAO-HNS
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Swimmer's Ear: CDC Swimmer’s Ear

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the laterality (left ear) is correctly documented in the patient's record.
• Differentiate between bacterial and fungal infections if specified.
• Avoid coding non-infective causes of otitis externa under this ICD code.