Otitis media

Question 1

What is otitis media?

Answer 1

An infection of the middle ear

Question 2

What is the most common causative organism of otitis media?

Answer 2

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 3

What are the other common causes of otitis media?

Answer 3

Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
Staphylococcus aureus

Question 4

What is the management options for otitis media?

Answer 4

Immediate antibiotics
Delayed prescription
No antibiotics

Question 4

What is the presentation of otitis media?

Answer 4

Ear pain
Reducing hearing in the affected ear
Fever
Symptoms of URTI
- Cough
- Coryzal symptoms
- Sore throat

Question 5

When should patients with otitis media be given an immediate prescription?

Answer 5

Systemically unwell
Immunocompromised patients
Significant co-morbidities

Question 6

What is the first line antibiotic in otitis media?

Answer 6

Amoxicillin - 5-7 days

Question 7

What is the second line antibiotic in otitis media?

Answer 7

Co-amoxiclav (if no improvement with amoxicillin)

Use a macrolide in pencillin allergic patients

Question 8

What are the complications of otitis media?

Answer 8

Glue ear
Tympanic membrane perforation
Mastoiditis
Meningitis
Facial nerve palsy
Chronic or reccurent infection
Hearing loss