Mr. Audi Oh is an 80 year old patient with complaints of left ear pain, fullness in his ear, tenderness when he moved his jaw, and some hearing loss.He reported that his symptoms were present for about 1 week. Upon examination at a local health clinic in Florida, he showed no remarkable symptoms with the exception of an acute otitis externa, characterized by redness and swelling of his left ear canal. His history was unremarkable with the exception of Type II DM for which he takes insulin. The treatment he received was irrigation of the ear canal.
After 3 days when he did not experience relief, he saw his primary care physician, Dr. Canu Helpme. Upon examination, Mr. Audi Oh presented with increased left ear pain, increased fullness in his ear, increased tenderness when he moved his jaw, and worsening hearing loss. Upon examination, he presented with significant redness and swelling of his left ear canal. In addition, he evidenced green pus-like discharge that had a foul-smell. The patient also presented with fever, difficulty swallowing, and mild weakness in his facial muscles. There was swelling in the lymph nodes in his throat.
When Dr. Canu Helpme heard of the previous ear irrigation, he instructed the patient to go directly to the hospital for examination by Dr. I. Canhear, an otolaryngologist. Following examination, Dr. I. Canhear admitted the patient to the hospital for further diagnostic testing.
Why do you think Dr. I. Canhear admitted this patient to the hospital? Based on the symptom presentation, what do you think the MD was suspecting? What tests would be done to get a more definitive diagnosis? Do you think that the patient’s DM was related in any way? Do you think the irrigation contributed to the problem? What treatment would be given? What would the prognosis be?
At the end of your initial post, select 10 medical terms related to this body system, dissect them into their component parts, and provide their meanings . 🙂
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