Acute Otitis Media

Question 1

What is acute otitis media?

Answer 1

Infection of the middle ear

Question 2

What are signs and symptoms of acute otitis media?

Answer 2

Otalgia
Fever
Middle ear effusion
Red, bulging tympanic membrane

Question 3

Is AOM caused by viral or bacterial pathogens?

Answer 3

May be both viral or bacterial

Question 4

AOM is often preceded by a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Why is this?

Answer 4

Respiratory tract defences are disturbed (impaired mucociliary clearance and epithelium). Leads to eustachian tube dysfunction. Allows bacterial pathogens to colonize the nasopharynx and invade middle ear

Question 5

What are prevention strategies for AOM?

Answer 5

• Vaccination against AOM pathogens
• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke
• Breastfeeding

Question 6

Fever and otalgia are common manifestations for AOM.
Ear pain is not always easily communicated by infants and toddlers. What are some clues to diagnosis?

Answer 6

Disturbed sleep
Irritability
Tugging the ear
Rubbing the head