Otitis media

Question 1

Otitis media - symptoms (4)

Answer 1

Throbbing pain of ear
Discharge
Systemic symptoms (fever, loss of appetite)
Ears are swollen and red/yellow

Question 2

Otitis media - extra questions (3)

Answer 2

Do they have other symptoms (infection signs)
Is there pain elsewhere
Does the discharge have a colour

Question 3

Otitis media - explanation of diagnosis

Answer 3

Inflammation of the middle ear caused by a viral or bacterial infections, known as glue ear when sticky discharge is present

Question 4

Otitis media - causes

Answer 4

Virus or bacterial infection

Question 5

Otitis media - first-line treatment (product, how it works, how to use it)

Answer 5

Paracetamol and ibuprofen to treat pain and fever

Question 6

Otitis media - lifestyle (5)

Answer 6

Soothe ears with warm flannel
Wipe away discharge with cotton wool
Don’t use cotton buds to clean ears
Keep ear dry, avoid shampoo inside ear
Avoid swimming

Question 7

Otitis media - when to refer (4)

Answer 7

No improvement within 3 days
Inflammation behind ears
Severe systemic infection
Young children with fever