Otitis media Flashcards
What is found in middle ear?
Cochlea, vestibular apparatus and nerves
How does bacteria enter the middle ear>
Back of throat via eustachian tube
Preceded by viral URTI
Most common cause of otitis media
Strep pneumoniae
Other causes of otitis media
H. influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
S. aureus
What are sympotms of otitis media like in young children?
Non specific - fever, vomitting, irritability, lethargy or poor feeding
When to examine ears
Always in unwell children
When to refer to hospital
< 3 months temp > 38
3-6 MONTHS temp >39
How do most cases of otitis media resolv
No anitbiotics, in 3 days, can last up to a week
Simple analgesia
When prescribe antibiotics in otitis media
Significatn comorbidity
Systemically unwell
Immunocompromised
< 2 with bilateral otitis media
Otorrhea
Antibiotic choice for otitis media
Amoxicillin - 5 dyas
Erythromycin or clarithromycin
Always safety net
Complications otitis media
With effusion
Hearing loss
Perforated eardrum
Recurretn infection
Mastoiditis
Abscess
