Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Thyroiditis
Moderate
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Otitis Externa
Moderate
3
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland. Different forms can cause temporary release of thyroid hormones followed by low thyroid hormone levels, while other forms may cause persistent changes in thyroid function. Symptoms therefore vary and may include neck pain or tenderness, fatigue, changes in heart rate, heat or cold intolerance, weight changes, or symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
Otitis Externa
Otitis externa, commonly called swimmer’s ear, is inflammation or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. It may develop suddenly or persist as a chronic problem. Bacterial infection is a common cause, particularly after water remains in the ear canal, although fungi and other causes are possible. Symptoms can include ear pain, itching, redness, swelling, drainage and discomfort when the outer ear is touched or moved.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Cough Fever Neck SwellingOnly in Right Disease
Ear Discharge Ear Itching Hearing LossCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Chronic Disease InfectionOnly in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Thyroiditis
Diagnosis begins with symptoms, medical history, and examination of the thyroid gland. Blood tests can measure thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormone levels and may include tests for thyroid antibodies. Depending on the suspected type, a healthcare provider may use an ultrasound or other thyroid imaging and, in selected cases, tests of thyroid hormone uptake. The pattern of thyroid function over time can help distinguish different forms of thyroiditis.
Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is usually diagnosed from symptoms and examination of the outer ear and ear canal. The healthcare provider looks for redness, swelling, scaling, discharge or other signs of inflammation and infection. Pain when the outer ear is moved may support the diagnosis. Ear drainage may occasionally be tested when an infection does not improve or when the cause is uncertain. The examination also helps distinguish otitis externa from middle-ear disease and other causes of ear pain.
Prevention
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis cannot always be prevented because many forms are related to autoimmune processes, viral illnesses, or other factors that cannot be controlled. Appropriate management of underlying autoimmune or medical conditions and review of medicines that may affect the thyroid can help reduce complications. People who develop persistent symptoms of abnormal thyroid function should seek medical evaluation and follow recommended monitoring.
Otitis Externa
Keep the ears dry after swimming or bathing and avoid swimming in polluted water. Do not insert cotton swabs, fingernails or other objects into the ear canal because they can damage the skin. People who frequently develop swimmer’s ear may be advised by a healthcare provider about appropriate ear-drying measures. Hair sprays and dyes should be kept out of the ear canal. If an external ear infection develops, complete the recommended treatment to reduce the chance of persistent or more severe infection.
Risk Factors
Thyroiditis
Risk factors depend on the type of thyroiditis. A recent viral illness may precede subacute thyroiditis, while autoimmune thyroid disorders are associated with other immune-related conditions and family history. Postpartum thyroiditis can occur after pregnancy. Some medicines and treatments can also affect the thyroid and contribute to inflammation or changes in thyroid function.
Otitis Externa
Risk factors include frequent swimming, exposure to contaminated water, moisture trapped in the ear canal and repeated irritation or injury to the canal skin. Cleaning the ears with cotton swabs or inserting other objects can damage the protective skin and increase risk. People with chronic skin conditions or allergies affecting the ear may also develop recurrent external ear inflammation.
Treatment
Thyroiditis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Otitis Externa
Treatment comparison will be available soon.