Pathology Part 1 Flashcards
Acute otitis media
A painful type of ear infection. Middle ear becomes inflamed and infected.
Common organisms that cause Acute otitis media
Most infections are secondary to bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumonaie, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis
Features of Acute otitis media
> Otalgia
May tug or rub their ear
Fever 50% of cases
Hearing loss
Recent viral URTI symptoms (e.g. coryza)
Ear discharge if tympanic.m perforates
Possible otoscopy findings in Acute otitis media
> Bulging tympanic.m → loss of light reflex
Opacification or erythema of tympanic.m
Perforation with purulent otorrhoea
Decreased mobility using pneumatic otoscope
Otorrhoea
Drainage of liquid from the ear
Acute otitis media management
- Usually self-limiting
- Antibiotics in some cases (criteria)
- Analgesia
- Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 3 days.
When are antibiotics indicated in Acute otitis media?
> Symptoms lasting more than 4 days or not improving
Systemically unwell but not requiring admission
Immunocompromise or high risk of complications
Younger than 2 years with bilateral otitis media
Otitis media with perforation and/or discharge
If antibiotics are given in Acute otitis media, what is the antibiotic of choice?
A 5-7 day course of amoxicillin is first-line
Penicillin allergy ; erythromycin or clarithromycin
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM)
Defined as perforation of the tympanic membrane with otorrhoea for > 6 weeks
Common sequelae after Acute otitis media
> Perforation tympanic mem. → otorrhoea
Unresolved acute otitis media with perforation may develop into CSOM
Hearing loss
Labyrinthitis
Complications of Acute otitis media
- mastoiditis
- meningitis
- brain abscess
- facial nerve paralysis
Sinusitis
Describes inflammation of the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses. The sinuses are usually sterile
Most common organisms to cause Sinusitis
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
Rhinoviruses.
Predisposing factors that lead to Sinusitis
- Nasal obstruction e.g. septal deviation or nasal polyps
- Recent local infection e.g. rhinitis or dental extraction
- Swimming/diving
- Smoking
Features of Sinusitis
Facial pain - pressure pain worse on bending forward
Nasal discharge: usually thick and purulent
Nasal obstruction
Management of Sinusitis
- Analgesia
- Intranasal decongestants
- Intranasal corticosteroids may be considered if the symptoms have been present for more than 10 days
- Oral antibiotics given for severe presentations
Antibiotics which may be given in Sinusitis
Phenoxymethylpenicillin first-line, co-amoxiclav if ‘systemically very unwell, signs and symptoms of a more serious illness, or at high-risk of complications’
When are antibiotics indicated in sinusitis?
Given for severe presentations - ‘systemically very unwell, signs and symptoms of a more serious illness, or at high-risk of complications’
When are intranasal corticosteriods indicated in sinusitis?
May be considered if the symptoms have been present for more than 10 days
Most common organism to cause Acute tonsillitis
Streptococcus pyogenes the most common organism
Characteristics of Acute tonsillitis
Pharyngitis, fever, malaise and lymphadenopathy
One condition that mimics Acute tonsillitis
Infectious mononucleosis
Treatment for Acute tonsillitis
Penicillin type antibiotics is indicated for bacterial tonsillitis
Complication of Acute tonsillitis
May result in local abscess formation (quinsy)