Otitis Media

Question 1

What is otitis media?

Answer 1

Is inflammation in the middle ear

May be caused by infection

Most common pediatric disease for which attention is sought

Can be acute or chronic

Question 2

Otitis Media is mainly a…..

Answer 2

Pediatric infection

Question 3

The eustachian tube functions are….

Answer 3

Equalizing pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane

Protecting the middle ear from nasopharyngeal secretions

Draining middle ear secretions into nasopharynx

Question 4

Describe the process of how otitis media happens

Answer 4

1) VIral URTI
2) Vasodilation and edema of nose and nasopharynx
3) Occlusion of eustachian tube
4) Edema of ET mucosa
5) Impaired middle ear ventilation
6) Accumulation of fluid (effussion)
7) Normla flora from nasopharynx enter the Eustachian Tube and middle ear
8) Effussion becomes colonized and infected

Question 5

Risk Factors of Otitis Media

Answer 5

Age <5 ( shorter, wider Eustachian tube that is more horizontal –> by age 8 the eustachian tube has become adult like –> less susceptibility)
Gender: slightly more common in males

More likely in First Nations and Inuit populations

Family history: Suggests a possible genetic factor

Allergies, reduced immunity

Question 6

Major Risk Factors

Answer 6

• Daycare
• Tobacco Smoke