What is a common risk factor for malignant otitis externa?

Malignant otitis externa is a severe ear infection that typically occurs in patients with compromised immunity. A primary risk factor for this condition is diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes often have a diminished immune response, making them more susceptible to infections. The elevated blood glucose levels associated with diabetes can also impair the body’s ability to heal and fight off infections, creating an environment where opportunistic organisms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can flourish and lead to malignant otitis externa.

While recent swimming, recent upper respiratory infections, and older age are considerations in other contexts regarding ear infections, they do not carry the same significant association with the development of malignant otitis externa as diabetes mellitus does. Explaining this further, the high incidence of this condition in individuals with diabetes underscores the importance of managing blood sugar levels and addressing any ear-related symptoms promptively in at-risk populations.