otitis media

Question 1

What is otitis media?

Answer 1

An infection in the middle ear.

Question 2

Where is the middle ear located? what structures are in the middle ear?

Answer 2

Between the tympanic membrane (ear drum) and the inner ear.
Cochlea, vestibular apparatus, nerves.

Question 3

What is the most common bacterial cause of otitis media?
Name two other common bacterial causes of otitis media.

Answer 3

Streptococcus pneumoniae.
* Haemophilus influenzae
* Moraxella catarrhalis
* Staphylococcus aureus

Question 4

What are typical symptoms of otitis media?

Answer 4

• Ear pain
• Reduced hearing
• Fever
• Cough
• Coryzal symptoms
• Sore throat
• Feeling generally unwell

Question 5

What symptoms may indicate balance issues in otitis media?

Answer 5

Vertigo.

Question 6

What is a potential sign of a perforated tympanic membrane?

Answer 6

Discharge from the ear.

Question 7

How can otitis media symptoms present in young children and infants?

Answer 7

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Poor feeding

Question 8

What should be examined in unwell children suspected of otitis media?

Answer 8

Both ears and the throat.

Question 9

What is the appearance of a normal tympanic membrane?

Answer 9

Pearly-grey, translucent, and slightly shiny.

Question 10

What appearance does otitis media give to the tympanic membrane?

Answer 10

Bulging, red, inflamed.

Question 11

What are the three options for prescribing antibiotics for otitis media?

Answer 11

• Immediate antibiotics
• Delayed prescription
• No antibiotics

Question 12

What are the criteria for referring infants with otitis media?

Answer 12

Younger than 3 months with a temperature above 38ºC or 3-6 months with a temperature higher than 39ºC.

Question 13

What is the first-line antibiotic treatment for otitis media?

Answer 13

Amoxicillin for 5 days.

Question 14

What alternative antibiotics can be used for otitis media?

Answer 14

• Erythromycin
• Clarithromycin

Question 15

What are some potential complications of otitis media?

Answer 15

• Otitis media with effusion
• Hearing loss (usually temporary)
• Perforated eardrum
• Recurrent infection
• Mastoiditis (rare)
• Abscess (rare)

Question 16

True or False: Most cases of otitis media resolve without antibiotics.

Answer 16

True.

Question 17

What should be done if symptoms of otitis media do not improve after 3 days?

Answer 17

Consider a delayed prescription for antibiotics.