Otitis Media Flashcards
What are the classifications of otitis media?
Acute
Glue ear/otitis media with effusion (OME)
Chronic
Chronic suppurative OM
What is OME?
When you get effusion after symptom regression in acute phase
What is classified as chronic otitis media?
Effusion for over 3 months if bilateral, or 6 months if unilateral
What is chronic suppurative otitis media?
Ear discharge with hearing loss and evidence of central drum perforation
What organisms can cause otitis media?
Viral
Pneumococcus
Haemophilus
Moraxella
Who does acute OM usually present in?
Children post-viral URTI
How does acute OM present?
Rapid onset ear pain, sometimes presents as tugging at ear
Irritability
Anorexia
Vomiting
When is there purulent discharge in acute OM?
If the drum perforates
What is found on examination on acute OM?
Fever
Bulging, red TM
How is acute OM managed?
Paracetamol
Amoxicillin
What are the categories of complications of acute OM?
Intratemporal
Intracranial
Systemic
What are the intratemporal complications of acute OM?
OME
Perforration of TM
Mastoiditis
Facial nerve palsy
What are the intracranial complications of acute OM?
Meningitis/encephalitis
Brain abscess
Subdural or epidural abscess
What are the systemic complications of acute OM?
Bacteraemia
Septic arthritis
Infective endocarditis
How does otitis media with effusion present?
Inattention at school
Poor speech development
Hearing impairment
What is found on examination in OME?
Retracted, dull TM
Fluid level
How is OME investigated?
Audiometry
What is the prognosis of OME?
Usually resolves spontaneously
How should OME be managed if there is persistent hearing loss?
Grommets
What are the potential adverse effects of grommets?
Infections
Tympanosclerosis
How does chronic suppurative OM present?
Painless discharge and hearing loss
What are the examination findings of chronic suppurative OM?
TM perforation
How is chronic suppurative OM managed?
Aural toilet
Abx/steroid ear drops
What are the potential complications of OM?
Cholsteatoma
