Otitis Media

Question 1

Acute otitis media

Answer 1

An acute onset of signs and symptoms of a middle ear infection and inflammation, such as middle ear effusion and erythema
Most common bacterial respiratory tract infection in children

Question 2

Acute otitis media cause

Answer 2

Caused by eustachian tube dysfunction negative pressure causes reflux of bacteria into middle ear

Question 3

Chronic OME (otitis media with effusion)

Answer 3

Inflammation of the middle ear with fluid collection behind the TM, symptoms of AOM are absent

Question 4

Diagnostic Criteria for Acute Otitis Media

Answer 4

History of acute onset of signs/symptoms
Presence of middle ear effusion:
Bulging of TM and limited or absent TM mobility
Otorrhea
Air–fluid level behind TM
Signs and symptoms of middle ear inflammation
Erythema of TM and otalgia

Question 5

Risk Factors for AOM

Answer 5

Congenital defects such as cleft palate and Down syndrome
Young age (highest incidence in children below age 2)
Family history; male sex
Children who attend day care or are relatives of children in day care
Exposure to secondhand smoke; allergies
Lack of exclusive breast-feeding first 6 months of life

Question 6

Antibiotics to Treat Acute Otitis Media

Answer 6

Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (augmentin)

Question 7

Antibiotics to Treat Acute Otitis Media: For PCN Allergy

Answer 7

Ceftriaxone (rocephin)

Cefdinir (Omnicef)

Question 8

Guidelines for Acute Otitis Media in Children

Answer 8

Initial observation without antibiotics for 48 to 72 hours in children more than 2 years of age who are classified as a low-risk patient
If treating AOM with antibiotics, high dose amoxicillin dosed at 80 to 90 mg/kg/day is first choice.