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H60.5 – Acute Otitis Externa: Causes & Treatment

H60.5 is the ICD-10 code for acute otitis externa – an acute inflammation of the external ear canal, commonly caused by bacteria or fungi.

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Things worth knowing about "H60.5"

H60.5 is the ICD-10 code for acute otitis externa – an acute inflammation of the external ear canal, commonly caused by bacteria or fungi.

What is H60.5?

The ICD-10 code H60.5 refers to acute otitis externa – an acute inflammation of the external ear canal, the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. This condition typically develops within a few days and is characterized by pain, swelling, and discharge. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed ear conditions in clinical practice and responds well to appropriate treatment.

Causes

The most common causes of acute otitis externa include:

Bacterial infections: Most frequently caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Fungal infections (otomycosis): Caused by molds or yeasts such as Candida or Aspergillus.
Moisture in the ear canal: Frequent swimming or bathing can disrupt the protective environment of the ear canal, leading to the so-called swimmer's ear.
Mechanical irritation: Improper cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs or other objects.
Allergic reactions: To hearing aids, earrings, or ear drops.
Skin conditions: Such as eczema or psoriasis affecting the ear canal.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of acute otitis externa include:

Ear pain (otalgia), often worsened when touching or pulling the outer ear
Itching inside the ear canal
Swelling of the ear canal
Ear discharge (otorrhea), which may be watery or purulent
Reduced hearing due to swelling or accumulation of secretions
Redness and warmth around the ear

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually established through an otoscopic examination, in which a physician uses an otoscope to directly visualize the ear canal and assess redness, swelling, and discharge. In recurrent or severe cases, a swab sample may be taken for microbiological analysis to identify the causative organism.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition:

Antibiotic ear drops (e.g., ciprofloxacin or neomycin) for bacterial infections
Antifungal ear drops for fungal infections
Corticosteroid-containing drops to reduce swelling and inflammation
Pain relief with ibuprofen or paracetamol for ear pain management
Ear irrigation to remove debris and secretions (performed by a healthcare professional only)
Keeping the ear dry during the treatment period

In severe cases or in immunocompromised patients, systemic antibiotic therapy may be required.

When to See a Doctor

Medical advice should be sought if:

the pain is severe or worsening
fever is present
symptoms do not improve within a few days
hearing loss occurs
dizziness or balance problems are experienced

References

World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 Version 2019, Chapter VIII – Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process (H60–H95). Available at: https://icd.who.int
Schaefer P, Baugh RF. Acute Otitis Externa: An Update. American Family Physician. 2012;86(11):1055-1061.
Rosenfeld RM, Schwartz SR, Cannon CR, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Acute Otitis Externa. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2014;150(1 Suppl):S1-S24.

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