Ear Problems Flashcards
What is the management of tympanic membrane perforation?
Typically heal within 6-8 weeks
Avoid getting the ear wet
If due to otitis media -> antibiotics
What are the features of otitis media?
Ear pain, pulling in young children
Fever, corzya
Red, inflamed, bulging tympanic membrane
Pain can settle if perforation occurs, followed by purulent discharge
What are the complications of otitis media?
Tympanic membrane perforation
Mastoiditis
Otitis media with effusion (glue ear)
What is the most common cause of otitis media?
Strep. Pneumoniae
Also haemophilus influenza
What is the management of acute otitis media?
Typically self-limiting
Amoxicillin if: Perforation, systemically unwell, symptoms >4 days, immunocompromised or high risk of complications, younger than 2 with bilateral symptoms
What are the risk factors for glue ear?
Male sex
Bottle feeding
Parental smoking
Acute otitis media
What are the common bugs involved in otitis externa?
Staph aureus
Pseudomonas
What are the features of otitis externa?
Ear pain, itch, discharge, erythematous canal
What is the first line management of otitis externa?
Mild:topical acetic acid
Moderate:Topical antibiotic + topical steroid
What are the features of malignant otitis externa?
Pseudomonas
Diabetes
Involves the soft tissue
Severe ear pain, temporal headaches, purulent discharge
What are the features of cholesteatoma?
Foul-smelling, non-resolving discharge
Unilateral conductive hearing loss
Attic crust seen in the uppermost part of the eardrum
What is the antibiotic of choice in malignant otitis externa?
Ciprofloxacin
What are the key features of mastoiditis?
Swelling/erythema/tenderness over mastoid process
Anterior protrusion of ear
Clincal diagnosis
Refer to secondary care for IV antibiotics
