otitis meida

Question 1

what is otitis media

Answer 1

infection of the middle ear

Question 2

what is found in the middle ear

Answer 2

• cochlea
• vestibular apparatus
• nerves

Question 3

what is the most common bacterial cause of otitis media

Answer 3

-streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 4

presentation of otitis media

Answer 4

• reduced hearing in the affected ear
• feeling generally unwell
• fever
• symptoms of upper airway infection (cough, sore throat)
• discharge is tympanic membrane perforated
• balance issues and vertigo if vestibular infection affected

Question 5

investigation of otitis media

Answer 5

otoscope to visualise tympanic membrane

-bulging, red, inflamed membrane

Question 6

management of otitis media

Answer 6

• should resolve in three days to a week without antibiotics
• simple analgesia used for pain and fever
• Consider immediate antibiotics at the initial presentation in patients who have significant co-morbidities, are systemically unwell or are immunocompromised
• Consider a delayed prescription that can be collected and used after three days if symptoms have not improved or have worsened at any time

Question 7

what are the NICE guidelines for antibiotics

Answer 7

• amoxicillin for 5-7 days first line
• clarithromycin if penicillin allergy
• erythromycin in pregnant women allergic to penicillin

Question 8

complications of otitis media

Answer 8

• OME
• hearing loss
• perforation tympanic membrane
• labyrinthitis