Otitis media is defined as an infection or inflammation of the middle ear is one of the most common infections and in its acute, is considered as one of the most common diagnosis, especially with children in the primary care setting that requires antibiotics (Limb, Lustig, & Klein, 2014). Even though acute otitis media (AOM) is commonly seen in children, it can occur at any age (Cash & Glass, 2014). The most important factor in the pathogenesis of middle ear infections and effusion is the obstruction of the Eustachian tube. The back-up of nasopharyngeal secretions leads to the contamination of the middle ear fluid. The most common causative agents are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Signs and symptoms
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It is described as the diffuse inflammation of the external ear canal. Most of the time, it is self-limiting. With children ages 2 years and old, it is commonly associated with swimming. Several other factors could contribute to the development of AOE, such as trauma, foreign body in the ear, use of hearing aids, chronic otorrhea, being immunocompromised, and at times, wearing tight head scarves. Common bacterial pathogens that cause AOE are Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, or can be fungal (Aspergillus). Patients inflicted by this illness complains of ear pain, itching, purulent discharge, and some hearing loss. On examination, the ear canal would be erythematous and swollen. Treatment includes analgesics and antibiotics. If the patient is diabetic, a suspicion of osteomyelitis needs to be ruled out. If the suspicion is confirmed, the patient will be admitted to the hospital for acute care management and a referral to an otolaryngologist for possible surgical interventions. References
Cash, J. C., & Glass, C. A. (2014). Family practice guidelines (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Hui, C. (2013). Acute otitis externa. Paediatrics & Child Health, 18(2), 1-4. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1540084423?accountid=87314
Limb, C., Lustig, L., & Klein, J. (2014). Acute otitis media in adults (suppurative and serous). Retrieved
It is described as the diffuse inflammation of the external ear canal. Most of the time, it is self-limiting. With children ages 2 years and old, it is commonly associated with swimming. Several other factors could contribute to the development of AOE, such as trauma, foreign body in the ear, use of hearing aids, chronic otorrhea, being immunocompromised, and at times, wearing tight head scarves. Common bacterial pathogens that cause AOE are Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, or can be fungal (Aspergillus). Patients inflicted by this illness complains of ear pain, itching, purulent discharge, and some hearing loss. On examination, the ear canal would be erythematous and swollen. Treatment includes analgesics and antibiotics. If the patient is diabetic, a suspicion of osteomyelitis needs to be ruled out. If the suspicion is confirmed, the patient will be admitted to the hospital for acute care management and a referral to an otolaryngologist for possible surgical interventions. References
Cash, J. C., & Glass, C. A. (2014). Family practice guidelines (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Hui, C. (2013). Acute otitis externa. Paediatrics & Child Health, 18(2), 1-4. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1540084423?accountid=87314
Limb, C., Lustig, L., & Klein, J. (2014). Acute otitis media in adults (suppurative and serous). Retrieved