middle ear diseases Flashcards
what are the stages of development of acute otitis media?
- organisms invade mucous membranes -> inflammation, oedema, exudate
- oedema build up closes eustachian tube, preventing aeration and drainage
- pressure in tympanic cavity rise = drum can perforate
what are the signs of acute otitis media?
red ear
burst ear drum leaking fluid
severe pain
short timeframe
what is the treatment for acute otitis media?
antibiotics if:
aged <2
systemically unwell
bilateral or exudate
what is otitis media with effusion (glue ear)?
fluid is not infected, just built up
why does otitis media with effusion (glue ear) occur in children?
as eustachian tube is not fully developed so fluid can’t drain
what are the signs of glue ear?
deafness
poor behaviour in school
balance problem
no otalgia
tympanic membrane altered colour, visible fluid bulging
what investigations are used?
otoacoustic emission (OAE) - sound given off by cochlea when clicking
what is the management of glue ear?
grommets +/- adenoidectomy if no improvement or severe
hearing aids
what is cholesteatoma?
repeat infection -> ear drum collapse (retraction) -> creates pocket where dead skin cells collect
what leads to hearing loss in cholesteatoma?
keratin in middle ear
- enzymes erode surrounding bone
- bacteria grow on keratin -> discharge complications
what is the management of cholesteatoma?
surgical excision + reconstruction
what is otosclerosis?
new bony deposits occur on stapes footplate -> gradual onset hearing loss
why is otosclerosis more common in women?
oestrogen related
progress more rapidly during pregnancy
hormone replacement therapy
