Otitis Media Overview

Otitis Media

• Inflammation of middle ear
• Common type of otitis
• Causes:
• Streptococcus pneumoniae: 30-35%
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Other bacteria: Group A Strep, etc.
• Risk Factors (Age):
• 6-24 months
• 4-5 years
• Short, wide, horizontal Eustachian tube
• Sex (sex differences)
• Risk Factors (Other):
• Anatomical abnormalities (e.g., cleft lip/palate)
• Narrow Eustachian tube
• Breastfeeding (breastfeeding positions)
• Seasons (autumn/winter)
• Crowded conditions
• Close contact
• Smoking
• Air pollution
• Routes of Infection:
• Eustachian tube (most common)
• External ear
• Perforated tympanic membrane
• Direct spread (mastoiditis)
• Blood-borne (less common)

Types of Otitis Media

• Acute Otitis Media (AOM):
• Bacterial infection
• Symptoms: Severe earache, fever, etc.
• Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media:
• Persistent fluid in middle ear
• Discharge through tympanic membrane perforation
• Recurrent episodes
• Serous/Secretory Otitis Media:
• Fluid (not pus) in middle ear
• Due to temporary blockage of Eustachian tube
• Can follow acute otitis media

Otitis Externa

• Definition: Infection of outer ear canal
• Causes:
• Bacteria
• Symptoms:
• Pain
• Swelling
• Discharge
• Types:
• Acute diffuse otitis externa (most common)
• Acute localized otitis externa (e.g., furunculosis)
• Chronic otitis externa (7+ weeks)
• Malignant necrotizing otitis externa (extending to deeper tissues)

Otitis Media/Associated Factors

• Clinical Findings:
• Erythema, pain, bulging tympanic membrane, loss of light reflex
• Examination to see signs of acute or chronic infection

Other Relevant Information

• Examination of the middle ear using otoscopy to detect inflammatory changes or fluid.
• Possible treatments include antibiotics or other medications.
• Glue ear (effusion) may be present.

Otitis Interna

• Definition: Inflammation of inner ear
• Causes:
• Infections
• Injury
• Symptoms:
• Hearing loss
• Balance problems

Otitis Media Complications

• Possible Complications: Chronic ear infection, hearing loss, mastoiditis