International Journal of Tropical Medicine
ISSN: Online 1818-779XISSN: Print 1816-3319
Abstract
Otomycosis is a commonly occurring infection in the humid climate of this state. The recent floods which affected this place resulted in people living in damp houses. This cross‐sectional observational study aims to find the socio‐demographic factors, aetiopathogenesis and other factors related to otomycosis in today’s changing scenario. About 118 patients who attended the ENT OPD were recruited by non‐probability sampling for the study. The swabs were sent for KOH stain, fungal stain and culture. Data analysis was done by SPSS software. Of the total of 118 patients recruited for the study, females constituted a slight majority of 58%. The most common age group affected was 40‐50 years. Trauma was the incriminating factor in around 45% of cases. This included self‐cleansing of ears and ear procedures. Use of hair dyes, herbal remedies like heated coconut oil in dried red chilli pod and over‐the‐counter ear drops were a few of the novel risk factors that we could discern. In 94% of cases, the culture was positive with Aspergillus niger topping the list. It is important to diagnose otomycosis, thus avoiding antibiotic ear drops. Careful and diligent ear suctioning would avoid trauma, thus preventing bacterial infections and further fungal infections. Newer studies indicate the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in helping to diagnose diseases in remote areas where specialists are not available.
How to cite this article:
Jini Rajan and K.P. Shaira. Lessons Learnt from Aetiopathogenesis of Otomycosis: An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Centre.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makijtm.2024.3.9.14
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1816-3319/10.59218/makijtm.2024.3.9.14