외이도염에서 식초세척 전후의 상피 산도변화와 치료효과

Background and Objectives: Damage to the EAC by high humidity or trauma causes a reduction in the amount of cerumen, which induces alkalinization of the EAC, and optimizing the environment for bacterial overgrowth. External otitis causes decreased cerumen production by destroying the apopilosebaceous units, leading to greater alkalinization of the EAC, and greater bacterial growth. We believed that the key to treating external otitis was acidification of the EAC to inhibit bacterial overgrowth and to promote re-epithelialization of the EAC epithelium. This study was designed to investigate the changing of the pH in EAC in progression of external otitis and to verify the usefulness of vinegar irrigation in treatment of external otitis. Materials and Method: This study comprised 40 patients, 51 ears with their first attack of external otitis, and 40 controls. In all cases, the pH of the EAC was assessed using a pH indicator strip 3 times with 1week intervals. Antibiotic therapy with analgesic treated to 28 ears and vinegar irrigation therapy was done to 23 ears. Results: The following results were obtained. 1) The pH of the EAC in external otitis group was more alkaline than normal group and becomes more alkaline in proportion to the severity of external otitis (p<0.05). 2) As the external otitis getting recovery, the pH of the EAC was more acidic in antibiotic therapy group (p<0.05). 3) As the external otitis getting recovery, the pH of the EAC was more acidic in vinegar irrigation group (p<0.05). 4) The statistical difference in pH value term was not found between the antibiotic therapy group and the vinegar irrigation group at the recovery process (p>0.05). Conclusion: The change in the pH of the EAC is an important factor in the diagnosis and recovery processing of external otitis and vinegar irrigation is a useful treatment. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2001;12:203-207)