Which condition is MOST consistent with a sensation of fullness and occasional popping in the ear, but no pain or fever, and otoscopic examination reveals a dull tympanic membrane... Which condition is MOST consistent with a sensation of fullness and occasional popping in the ear, but no pain or fever, and otoscopic examination reveals a dull tympanic membrane with air bubbles?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a patient experiencing ear fullness, popping sensations, and a dull tympanic membrane with air bubbles observed during an otoscopic exam, without pain or fever. The question asks us to determine the condition most consistent with these findings.
Answer
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)
The condition most consistent with the symptoms described is Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). This is characterized by fluid in the middle ear without acute infection, leading to a sensation of fullness, occasional popping, and a dull tympanic membrane with air bubbles upon otoscopic examination.
Answer for screen readers
The condition most consistent with the symptoms described is Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). This is characterized by fluid in the middle ear without acute infection, leading to a sensation of fullness, occasional popping, and a dull tympanic membrane with air bubbles upon otoscopic examination.
More Information
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) often occurs after an ear infection has resolved, but fluid remains trapped in the middle ear. The Eustachian tube's dysfunction is often implicated, causing pressure imbalances and the described symptoms.
Tips
It is important to differentiate OME from acute otitis media, which involves an active infection and typically presents with pain and fever.
Sources
- Otitis Media With Effusion - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Otitis media with effusion: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - medlineplus.gov
- Middle Ear, Eustachian Tube, Inflammation/Infection Clinical ... - emedicine.medscape.com
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