ENT: Otitis Media

Question 1

what is Otitis media?

Answer 1

infection in the middle ear

Question 2

where is the middle ear located?

Answer 2

between the tympanic membrane (ear drum) and the inner ear

Question 3

what are the contents of the middle ear?

Answer 3

cochlea
vestibular apparatus
nerves

Question 4

with reference to Otitis media, where may the bacterial enter from?

Answer 4

The bacteria enter from the back of the throat through the eustachian tube.

Bacterial infection of the inner ear is often preceded by a viral upper respiratory tract infection.

Question 5

what are the most common bacterial cause of Otitis media?

Answer 5

streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 6

how does Otitis media present?

Answer 6

ear pain
reduced hearing

symptoms of upper airway infection such as fever, cough, coryzal symptoms, sore throat and feeling generally unwell.

When the infection affects the vestibular system it can cause balance issues and vertigo. When the tympanic membrane has perforated there may be discharge from the ear.

Question 7

what is the management of Otitis media?

Answer 7

analgesia

Most cases of otitis media will resolve without antibiotics, and NICE guidelines from 2018 highlight the importance of not providing antibiotics for otitis media.