Otitis Media, Acute

exp date isn't null, but text field is

This refers to an acute inflammation of the middle ear, usually suppurative, occurring after an upper respiratory tract infection, rhinitis and sinusitis.

Causes

• Infections: The commonest organisms are bacteria such as Streptococcus, H. influenza; viruses e.g. Rhinovirus
• Trauma

Signs and symptoms

• Pain
• Drum perforation
• Loss of hearing
• Fever in about half of the cases
• Red bulging ear drum
• Loss of the normal light reflex of the eardrum
• Mild redness of the eardrum and rubbing the ear are not reliable signs.

Non-pharmacological treatment

• Do not instill anything into the ear.
• Avoid getting the inside of the ear wet.
• Dry mop ear if discharge is present.
• Do not plug the ear with cotton wool, etc.
• Exclude TB and HIV infections as contributing factors for recurrent ear infection.

Referral

• Severe pain, fever or vomiting, not responding to treatment after 72 hours (if otoscopy confirmed) or after 24 hours (if otoscopy unconfirmed).
• Recurrent otitis media.
• Painful swelling behind the ear or tenderness on percussion of the mastoid (suspected meningitis)