Acute otitis media Flashcards
1
Q
What is the typical age of patients presenting with acute otitis media?
A
6 months to 2 years
2
Q
Which bacterial pathogens can cause acute otitis media?
A
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci
3
Q
Which viral pathogens can cause acute otitis media?
A
- RSV
- Parainfluenza
- Influenza
- Rhinovirus
- Adenovirus
4
Q
What are the typical clinical features?
A
- Otalgia (throbbing pain)
- Hearing loss in affected ear
- Fever
- Otorrhoea
- Tugging affected ear
5
Q
What does otorrhoea indicate?
A
Rupture tympanic membrane
6
Q
What type of hearing loss is typically found on examination?
A
Conductive hearing loss
- Rinne’s: BC>AC
- Weber’s: lateralises to affected ear
7
Q
What is commonly seen on otoscopy?
A
- Bulging TM
- Opacification and loss of light reflex
- Purulent/serosanguinous discharge in EAC or TM perforation
8
Q
In which situations should abx be prescribed?
A
- Symptoms lasting >4 days and not improving
- Systemically unwell but not requiring admission
- <2 years old
- > /= 2 years old with severe symptoms and/or otorrhoea (i.e., perforation)
- Immunocompromised
9
Q
Which abx should be prescribed?
A
Topical amoxicillin for 5-7 days
10
Q
What are the potential complications of acute otitis media?
A
- Mastoiditis
- Meningitis
- Brain abscess
- Facial nerve paralysis
