Perichondritis image

Definition

infection of the tissue covering the cartilage of the external part of the ear called the auricle (pinna).

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

It facilitates the growth and repair of the cartilage.

perichondrium is a layer of dense connective tissue that surrounds the cartilage.

Trauma can cause microfractures of the cartilage and causes the perichondrial layer to strip off the cartilage, resulting in devascularisation and necrosis

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Pain

Pus or other fluid discharge (in severe cases)

Redness

Fever in severe cases

Swelling

Deformation of the ear structure (in severe cases)

Causes

Ear piercing (especially piercing of the cartilage)

The most common type of bacteria that causes perichondritis infection is Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Contact sports

Trauma to the side of the head

Perichondritis is usually caused by an injury to the ear due to: ear surgery

Nurse's Interventions

Provide an explanation of the causative organism; targeted treatment; schedule follow-up

Give the client a chance to ask and discuss.
R /: Questions client signifies a problem that needs to be clarified.

Collaboration give analgesic preparations
R /: Reduce pain.

Provide information to patients about the course of their illness.

Assess the level of pain with a pain scale
R /: Giving info to assess the response to intervention.

Nursing diagnosis

Anxiety related to lack of knowledge about the disease, the cause of infection and preventive actions.

Knowledge Deficit related to lack of exposure to information about the disease, treatment

Acute Pain related to inflammation

References

Sosin M, Weissler JM, Pulcrano M, Rodriguez ED. Transcartilaginous ear piercing and infectious complications: a systematic review and critical analysis of outcomes. Laryngoscope. 2015 Aug;125(8):1827-34

Hanif J, Frosh A, Marnane C, Ghufoor K, Rivron R, Sandhu G. Lesson of the week: "High" ear piercing and the rising incidence of perichondritis of the pinna. BMJ. 2001 Apr 14;322(7291):906-7

Prasad HK, Sreedharan S, Prasad HS, Meyyappan MH, Harsha KS. Perichondritis of the auricle and its management. J Laryngol Otol. 2007 Jun;121(6):530-4. [PubMed]

Conditions of external ear disorders