Question

Can you identify the common treatments for otitis media?

Answer 1

Symptoms of Otitis media are middle ear effusion, and signs of middle ear inflammation. Nonspecific symptoms of acute otitis media, fever, headache, irrition, cough, etc; etc;, are common in infants and young children. Otalgia is less common in children younger than two years and more common in adolescents and adults. Acute otitis media cannot be reliably differentiated from upper respiratory tract infection on the basis of symptoms. Otalgia, ear rubbing or pulling, and parental suspicion are useful symptoms in the diagnosis

Detection of middle ear effusion by pneumatic otoscopy is key in establishing the diagnosis of acute otitis media. The tympanic membrane normally is convex, a normal color and mobility of the membrane indicate that otitis media is unlikely. A bulging membrane increases otitis media as impaired mobility of the membrane and a distinctly red membrane.

Treatment in otitis media include symptom resolution and reduction of recurrence. Most children with acute otitis media have spontaneous resolution within a week or two. Therefore, antibiotics should not routinely be prescribed initially for all children. Delaying antibiotic therapy in selected patients reduces treatment-related costs and side effects. Pain management is important in initial days after diagnosis.

Many a trials have found that antibiotics are most beneficial in children younger than two years.Antibiotics may be deferred in healthy children six months to two years of age with mild otitis, and in children older than two years with mild symptoms or in whom the diagnosis is uncertain. If this option is chosen, it is mandatory to have a reliable care-giver who will observe the child, recognize signs of serious illness, and be able to access medical care easily.

Adults patients are smaller in number presenting with acute otitis media.Influenzae and S. pneumonia are common bacteria in these patients. Compared with children, adults are often present with otalgia, ear drainage, diminished hearing, and sore throat. Opacity and redness of the tympanic membrane are equally common in children and adults. Guidelines for antibiotic use are the same in children and adults. Smoking should be discouraged. Nasal and oral steroids may be beneficial in patients with persistent acute otitis media and associated allergies. Adults with unilateral middle ear effusion lasting longer than two months should undergo imaging studies, if the effusion is associated with cranial nerve palsy.