Otitis media - Presentation & Management

Question 1

What is the peak age for incidence of Otitis media?

Answer 1

6 - 24 months

Question 2

How does Otitis media commonly present?

Answer 2

Pain
Fever
Malaise
Vomiting
Irritability

Question 3

What are some of the examination findings in patients with Otitis media?

Answer 3

Temperature (36.5 - 37.2 reference range)
Red, bulging ear drums
Hearing loss

Question 4

What complication may have occurred if the child stops screaming in pain?

Answer 4

Perforated ear drum - relieved pressure so decreased pain

Question 5

What are some of the differentials for Otitis media?

Answer 5

Otitis externa
Foreign body
Referred pain from teeth
Trauma
TMJ pain

Question 6

What is the management of Otitis media?

Answer 6

Usually resolves by itself

Give ABx if persisting, otorrhoea, risk of complications due to co morbidities eg CF, immunosuppressed

Question 7

What antibiotics should be given to a patient with Otitis media?

Answer 7

Amoxicillin for 5 days unless penicillin allergic, then should be given erythromycin

Question 8

What are some of the common causative organisms of Otitis media?

Answer 8

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Haemophilus influenzae

Question 9

What are some of the complications of Otitis media?

Answer 9

Perforation of the tympanic membrane
Chronic otitis media with effusion (Glue ear)
Labyrinthitis
Meningitis
Septicaemia
Facial nerve palsy/damage
Mastoiditis

Question 10

Define Otitis media

Answer 10

Inflammation of the middle ear