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Flashcards in this deck (13)
  • Otitis media is the name given to an infection in the middle ear. It is a common site of infection in children.

    health otitis ear
  • The middle ear is the space that sits between the tympanic membrane and the inner ear.

    anatomy ear
  • The most common bacterial cause of otitis media is streptococcus pneumoniae. Other common causes include: - Haemophilus influenzae - Moraxella catarrhalis - Staphylococcus aureus.

    bacteria otitis ent
  • Otitis media typically presents with symptoms such as ear pain, reduced hearing, and general symptoms of upper airway infection.

    symptoms health otitis
  • When the tympanic membrane has perforated, there may be discharge from the ear.

    symptoms ear otitis
  • In young children, otitis media may present with non-specific symptoms such as fever, vomiting, irritability, lethargy, or poor feeding.

    symptoms children health
  • Always examine both ears and the throat of unwell children. Use an otoscope to visualize the tympanic membrane.

    examination health ear
  • A normal tympanic membrane should be pearly-grey, translucent, and slightly shiny.

    examination ear
  • Otitis media will show a bulging, red, inflamed tympanic membrane. A perforation may show discharge and a hole in the membrane.

    examination otitis ear
  • Consider referral to paediatrics for assessment if symptoms are severe or if there is diagnostic doubt, especially in infants younger than 3 months with a temperature above 38ºC.

    management paediatrics health
  • Most cases of otitis media will resolve without antibiotics. NICE guidelines highlight that most will resolve within 3 days without treatment.

    management health otitis
  • The first line choice of antibiotic for otitis media is amoxicillin for 5 days. Alternatives include erythromycin and clarithromycin.

    antibiotics otitis health
  • Complications of otitis media may include: - Otitis media with effusion - Hearing loss - Perforated eardrum - Recurrent infection - Mastoiditis (rare)

    complications otitis health