Acute otitis media (AOM), otherwise known as an ear infection, is characterized by middle ear inflammation and disruption of Eustachian tube function (Donaldson, 2014). Furthermore, the condition is typically caused by upper respiratory tract infections that are of viral or bacterial origin (Donaldson, 2014). The typical response is inflammatory in nature and the viral impact is not well understood (Donaldson, 2014). Furthermore, weakened immunity may play a role in the frequency of infection (Donaldson, 2014). The most common cause of AOM is S. pneumonia, which is typically identified in children with this condition (Donaldson, 2014). In addition, H. influenza is also commonly identified in patients in up to 20 percent of all cases (Donaldson, 2014).
Protocol for Diagnosis, Management, and Follow-Up
Use your promo and get a custom paper on
"Otitis Media".
Patients with AOM require specific forms of treatment in order to fully eradicate the underlying cause. This requires an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treatment and follow up that will provide the patient with the best possible chance of recovery. Typically, a diagnosis is confirmed by evaluating symptoms and examining the middle ear for any signs of inflammation (Ramakrishnan et.al, 2007). Typical tests include pneumatic otoscopy to examine the tympanic membrane, as well as tympanocentesis in some patients who have exhibited signs of antibiotic resistance in the past (Ramakrishnan, et.al, 2007).
In some cases, no treatment may be required, as the condition typically resolves itself between 7 and 14 days; however, other patients may require a course of antibiotics, in addition to acetaminophen or ibuprofen for associated pain, as well as antihistamines in some cases (Ramakrishnan et.al, 2007). When considering antibiotic therapy, common options include amoxicillin or cephalosporins may be used when patients have an allergy to penicillin; however, there is a risk associated with the use of antibiotic therapies in that some patients could become resistant to them if they are used frequently (Segal et.al, 2005).
Since this condition is frequently diagnosed in children, it is necessary to make all possible efforts to protect the client from potential hearing loss, particularly with chronic infections (American Academy of Audiology, 2014). As a result, parents and teachers be aware of this risk and how it could impact a child’s wellbeing over time (American Academy of Audiology, 2014). This evaluation is instrumental in the lives of young children with frequent recurrences of otitis media so that they are properly treated and their condition is effectively managed over time and until they overcome the risk of recurrent infection (American Academy of Audiology, 2014).
Patient Culture
There are a number of risk factors that are associated with acute otitis media, including age, low birth weight, family history, allergies, tobacco exposure, and race, such as Native American and Inuit (Donaldson, 2014). Therefore, culture and lifestyle choices are likely to play a role in some groups, particularly those who do not have routine access to healthcare services or who are prone to allergies and other forms of infection on a frequent basis, particularly in children. This will support the development of new approaches to specifically target individuals who might be at risk of AOM within their communities. This process will serve to improve outcomes for these individuals and to recognize and treat the condition as best as possible using available techniques, and to enable patients to obtain the proper treatment for this condition so that they do not risk hearing loss or other concerns that could impact their health and wellbeing over the long term.
- American Academy of Audiology (2014). Audiologic guidelines for the diagnosis & treatment of otitis media in children. Retrieved from
http://www.audiology.org/resources/documentlibrary/Pages/OtitisMediainChildren.aspx - Donaldson, J.D. (2014). Acute otitis media. Medscape, retrieved from
http://emedicine.medscape.com - Segal, N., Leibovitz, E., Dagan, R., & Leiberman, A. (2005). Acute otitis media-diagnosis and treatment in the era of antibiotic-resistant organisms: updated clinical practice guidelines. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology,
- Ramakrishnan, K., Sparks, R.A., & Berryhill, W.E. (2007). Diagnosis and treatment of otitis
