ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA

Definition: Is an inflammation of the middle ear caused by the entrance of pathogenic

organisms.

Pathophysiology and causes

 Pathogenic organisms enter normally in sterile middle ear through a dysfunctional

Eustachian tube.
 Organisms are: S. pneumonia, H. influenza, M. catarrhalis, and S. aureus.
 In serous otitis media, no purulent infection occurs.

Clinical manifestations

 Pain is the first symptom

 Fever 40 ℃
 Otorrhea present if tympanic membrane ruptured
 Patient is irritable
 Headache, hearing loss, anorexia, nausea and vomiting
 History may reveal previous upper respiratory infection.

Management

 Give antibiotics (Amoxicillin)

 Treatment course is for 10 days
 Give follow up to determine effectiveness of therapy
 Administer nasal or topical decongestants and antihistamines
 Surgery: Myringotomy.

Complications

 Perforation of tympanic membrane

 Chronic otitis media and mastoiditis
 Conductive hearing loss
 Meningitis and brain abscess.