Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear without reference to etiology or pathogens. Next to the common cold, otitis media is the second most common reason that patients are seen at pediatric offices and one of the most frequent reasons for prescribing antibiotics to children (Roland, 2010). The most common bacteria responsible for ear infections are Streptococcus pneumoniae. Otitis media occurs when the Eustachian tubes are swollen or blocked and fluid is trapped in the middle ear. This blockage happens because of allergies, colds, sinus infections, and cigarette smoke, infected or enlarged adenoids or in infants, drinking while laying down (Kivi and Yu, 2012).
The presentation of otitis media has various degrees of severity, with two major variations being acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. Accordingly, acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME) have distinguishing characteristics that make the treatment, interventions and management unique.
Although AOM and OME are both considered middle ear infections, it is very …show more content…
With AOM, the child will present with symptoms of crying, tuggiing at ears, fever, irritability, lack of balance and possible fluid draining from the ears. The doctor will document signs of redness, swelling, and possibly blood, pus, air bubbles or fluid in the middle ear (Donaldson, 2015). In contrast, the child with OME will typically present with complaints of ear fullness or not being able to hear like they’re accustomed to. The physician will examine the patient and document dullness of the tympanic membrane when a light is used, a tympanic membrane that doesn’t seem to move when little puffs of air are blown at it, and fluid behind the tympanic membrane. OME usually follows an already treated otitis media because the fluid remains in the eustachian tubes for a few days or weeks (Higgins,
The presentation of otitis media has various degrees of severity, with two major variations being acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. Accordingly, acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME) have distinguishing characteristics that make the treatment, interventions and management unique.
Although AOM and OME are both considered middle ear infections, it is very …show more content…
With AOM, the child will present with symptoms of crying, tuggiing at ears, fever, irritability, lack of balance and possible fluid draining from the ears. The doctor will document signs of redness, swelling, and possibly blood, pus, air bubbles or fluid in the middle ear (Donaldson, 2015). In contrast, the child with OME will typically present with complaints of ear fullness or not being able to hear like they’re accustomed to. The physician will examine the patient and document dullness of the tympanic membrane when a light is used, a tympanic membrane that doesn’t seem to move when little puffs of air are blown at it, and fluid behind the tympanic membrane. OME usually follows an already treated otitis media because the fluid remains in the eustachian tubes for a few days or weeks (Higgins,