Otitis Media: Classification, OME, and Acute OM

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the classification, etiology, clinico-pathological stages, diagnosis, management, and complications of Otitis Media (OME and AOM).

Otitis Media

Inflammation of the middle ear caused by infection, allergy, or reactive mechanisms, which can lead to hearing loss and speech delay.

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)

The presence of non-infected fluid in the middle ear without acute signs or symptoms of inflammation.

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

Acute inflammation of the muco-periosteal lining of the middle ear cleft commonly seen in children, usually consequent to an upper respiratory tract infection, characterized by fluid in the middle ear accompanied by acute onset of inflammatory signs and symptoms.

Pediatric Eustachian Tube Anatomy

Anatomical structure in children that is shorter, wider, and straighter than in adults, making it easier for bacteria to travel from the throat to the middle ear.

Type B Tympanogram

A flat curve result on impedance audiometry indicating middle ear dysfunction and presence of fluid, typical in Otitis Media with Effusion (OME).

Myringotomy with Tympanostomy Tube (Grommet)

A surgical treatment option for Otitis Media with Effusion reserved for patients who experience significant hearing impairment and show no improvement after $3\,\text{months}$ of conservative or medical management.

Causative Organisms of AOM

Bacterial and viral pathogens causing acute otitis media, key bacterial pathogens being Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Stage of Tubal Occlusion

The initial clinico-pathological stage of acute otitis media characterized by hyperemia.

Stage of Pre-suppuration

A stage of AOM marked pathologically by increased mucus secretion, decreased drainage, and congestion; clinically presents with earache, irritability, deafness, and otoscopic findings of a cart-wheel appearance or bulging tympanic membrane.

Stage of Suppuration

A stage of AOM marked by suppuration and accumulation of pus under tension in the middle ear, causing unexplained crying, severe otalgia, fever, toxic symptoms, and a grossly congested, edematous, posteriorly bulging tympanic membrane.

Stage of Perforation

A stage of AOM where accumulated pus under tension ruptures the tympanic membrane, resulting in a pin-hole perforation, pulsatile mucopurulent or blood-stained ear discharge, and immediate relief of severe otalgia.

Light House Sign

An otoscopic sign present during the stage of perforation of AOM where a pulsatile ear discharge is seen coming through a pin-hole perforation in the tympanic membrane.

Stage of Resolution

The stage of AOM where pus drains, inflammation resolves, acute symptoms subside, the ear becomes dry, the pin-hole perforation heals, and hearing is restored.

Extracranial Complications of AOM

Complications occurring outside the cranial cavity, including mastoid abscess, facial paralysis, labyrinthitis, petrositis, otogenic tetanus, and septicemia.

Intracranial Complications of AOM

Complications occurring within the cranial cavity, including meningitis, extradural abscess, subdural abscess, brain abscess, lateral sinus thrombophlebitis, cortical venous thrombophlebitis, and otitic hydrocephalus.

Watchful Waiting Strategy in AOM

A management approach for non-severe AOM consisting of observation for $48\text{--}72\,\text{hours}$ in children older than $6\,\text{months}$ with mild symptoms, combined with analgesics such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

First-Line Antibiotic Therapy for AOM

Medical treatment consisting of Amoxicillin for $7\text{--}10\,\text{days}$ for AOM presenting with severe symptoms and signs (or Azithromycin or Cefuroxime in cases of penicillin allergy).