Otitis media – What are the signs and symptoms, relevant dDx., sequelae, work up, and treatment options?
January 5, 2021 5:31 amOtitis media is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear, and is most common in children between 3 months and 3 years old.
Sn. & Sx.:
- Triad: otalgia, fever, conductive hearing loss
- Bulging tympanic membrane
- Displaced cone of light and bony landmarks
dDx.:
- Otitis (AOE, effusion)
- Cerumen impaction
- Cholesteatoma
- Tympanic membrane perforation
- Otosclerosis
- Tympanoscherosis
- Mastoiditis
- Myringitis
- Foreign body obstruction
Sequelae:
- Tympanic membrane perforation
Chronic suppurative otitis media - Ossicular necrosis
- Cholesteatoma
- Mastoiditis
- Labyrinthitis
- Meningitis
- CN VII paralysis
Work up:
- Otoscopic exam
Tx.:
- Antibiotics*
- Homeopathics: Belladonna, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, Tuberculinum
*Aminoglycosides are contraindicated if tympanic membrane is perforated due to potential for ototoxicity
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This post was written by Omar Rifai