Otitis Media Flashcards
What is OM?
Inflammation of the middle ear
At what age is OM most common?
3-6 years
What would you see on examination?
Inflamed tympanic membrane
Loss of light reflex
Buging
Main complaint
earache
Signs in children
Holding, tugging, rubbing the ear
Non-specific symptoms (fever, crying, poor feeding etc)
4 main symptoms
Earache
Fever
Deafness
Irritability
Mx if systemically well
What would you say?
Regular paracetamol or ibuprofen
Usual course is 3 days, but may last <1 week
Indications for giving abx (5)
Systemically unwell Perforation Complications V young (<2 years) Bilateral infection
What abx would you give if indicated?
How long for?
5-7 day course of amoxicillin (or clarithromycin in pen allergy)
Complications of OM
2
Mastoiditis
Tympanic membrane perforation
What is mastoiditis?
Infection of the air cells in the mastoid bone (behind the ear)
Mx of mastoiditis
EMERGENCY!!
Admit
IV abx + myringotmoy to relieve pressure
What can perforation lead to?
How long does it take to heal?
Hearing loss
Usually takes a few weeks to resolve
