EAR INFECTIONS

Question 1

Otitis media symptoms

Answer 1

• Earache
• Fever
• Lack of energy
• Slight hearing loss

Question 2

Otitis media causes

Answer 2

• Commonly viral
  o Often preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection, leading to fluid building in ear and then a bacterial infection.

Question 3

Otitis media - treatment no ear drum perforamtion

Answer 3

• regular paracetamol or ibuprofen (right dose for age or weight at the right time and max doses for severe pain) –
• consider ear drops containing an anaesthetic and an analgesic for pain

Question 4

When would you give abx in otitis media

Answer 4

• Otorrhoea or ear drum performation
• Under 2 and infection in both ears
• Severe symptoms for more than 3 days

Question 5

Otitis media abx treatment

Answer 5

1. FIRST: Amoxicillin 5-7 days
2. SECOND (worsening symptoms despite 2-3 days treatment): Co-Amoxiclav
   - Stop and upgrade the amoxicillin
3. Penicillin Allergy: Clarithromycin (Erythromycin in pregnancy)

Question 6

Otitis externa symptoms

Answer 6

• Pain
• Slight/temporary hearing loss
• Itchiness
• Pressure
• Discharge

Question 7

Otitis externa causes

Answer 7

• Mainly bacterial (P. aeruginosa, S. aureus).
• Can be fungal.

Question 8

Otitis externa treatment

Answer 8

1. FIRST: Topical Acetic Acid 2%
2. SECOND Topical Neomycin Sulphate with Corticosteroid
3. If systemic treatment needed: Flucloxacillin