To prevent otitis media (middle ear infection), attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Consumption of stimulants Tobacco (smoking) and passive smoking Care should be taken to avoid frequent exposure to cigarette smoke or excessive pacifier sucking by children. Similarly, being with many other children can contribute to the occurrence of … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate otitis media (middle ear infection): Ear pain (otalgia), especially behind the auricle (young children exhibit an urge to reach for the affected ear; this is not specific; only 10% of all children with an urge to reach suffer from acute otitis media!) Throbbing noises in the ear Conductive … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Acute otitis media usually occurs in association with a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The most common causative agent is respiratory syncytial virus. See the overview below for other common pathogens. However, otitis media can also be caused hematogenously or by a tympanic membrane defect. The secretions and inflammation … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Causes
General measures Possibly heat on the ear can do good, for example by an infrared lamp Observance of the general hygiene measures! In the occurrence of fever: Bed rest and physical rest (even with only a slight fever). Fever below 38.5 °C does not necessarily need to be treated! (Exceptions: Children prone to febrile convulsions; … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Therapy
Therapeutic targets Elimination of the pathogens Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations Antibiotic administration can usually be omitted if: Uncomplicated otitis media is present (see table below). no complications are present, such as: Immunodeficiency (immune deficiency). Influenza (flu) Cleft lip and palate Severe underlying diseases Cochlear implant wearer (hearing prosthesis) A good control by the doctor … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Drug Therapy
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Otoscopy (ear examination) – to evaluate the tympanic membrane; acute otitis media (AOM) is present according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) guidelines if the following criteria are met: Moderate to severe protrusion of the tympanic membrane is present or new onset otorrhea (ear discharge; not due to acute otitis … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Diagnostic Tests
Otitis media may be associated with the risk of deficiency of the following vital nutrients (micronutrients): Vitamins A, C and E Beta-carotene Within the framework of micronutrient medicine (vital substances), the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used for prevention (prevention): Since otitis media is an inflammatory process, vitamin C can have a preventive and immune-strengthening … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Micronutrient Therapy
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear). Family history Is there a history of frequent upper throat and respiratory tract infections in your family? Social history Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Are you experiencing ear pain, hearing loss, and/or … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Medical History
Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Erysipelas (erysipelas) – is an infection of the skin caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Middle ear tuberculosis – very rare clinical picture that occurs only in generalized tuberculosis (consumption). Zoster oticus – infestation of the auditory canal with the varicella zoster virus (Possible consequences: Zoster-typical severe pain, hearing loss (cochlear nerve), … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear): Respiratory system (J00-J99) Sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses). Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Sinus vein thrombosis (SVT)* – occlusion of a cerebral sinus (large venous blood vessels of the brain arising from duraduplications) by a … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Auricle [otalgia (ear pain), especially behind the auricle; postauricular erythema/area redness of the skin behind the ear, swelling, as appropriate; indirect sign: pain reaction when touching … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein). Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification. Microbiological examination of swabs in complicated or recurrent otitis media; as a swab in ruptured tympanic … Inflammation of the Middle Ear (Otitis Media): Test and Diagnosis
