otitis media (URTI)

Question 1

describe what otitis media is:

Answer 1

infection of the middle ear that usually happens after a common cold

Question 2

list the presentations of otitis media:

Answer 2

Ear pain
(child will be crying and in discomfort and tugging at his ear)

Ear discharge/Otorrhoea if perforated

Fever

Irritability

URTI symptoms

Question 3

what are the indications of prescribing antibiotic in otitis media?

Answer 3

Fever

Sign of Perforation (i.e. discharge)

Bilateral symptoms

Question 4

how do you diagnose otitis media?

Answer 4

otoscope
-> visualises ear drum and check for perforation
-> show a bulging, red, and inflamed ear drum

Question 5

what are the causative organsisms of primary and secondary infection?

Answer 5

Primary Infection in Otitis media
->Rhinovirus (common cold virus

Secondary
Pneumococcus or Haemophilus influenza

Question 6

what is the treatment for otitis media?

Answer 6

Observation (mostly self-limiting within three days to a week)

Analgesia (to help with fever and pain)

Antibiotics (if there are signs of fever, otorrhoea, or bilateral symptoms)

Amoxicillin (for 5-7 day course)

First-line if penicillin allergic - Erythromycin or Clarithromycin