Chapter 23 - Ear infections

myringotomy

incision into the tympanic membrane to relieve pressure and to prevent a tear by spontaneous rupture

who is more prone to middle ear infections because their eustachian tubes are shorter, wider, and straighter?

infants

acute otitis media

inflammation of the middle ear

infants should avoid

lying flat for long periods of time

An infection of the throat can easily spread to the

middle ear and can lead to mastoiditis

the ear canal may be red, but the tympanic membrane is

normal

example: the pooling of fluids (milk) in the throat of an infant who falls asleep with a bottle provides a

source for growth of organisms.

the infants Humoral

"body fluid" defense mechanisms are immature

otitis externa

An acute infection of the external ear canal aka "swimmers ear"

treatment of choice

Irrigation and topical antibiotics or antivirals

specific signs of this type of infection?

pain and tenderness on manipulating the pinna or tragus

manifestations of otitis media

pain in the ear, which is often very sever, irritability, and diminished hearing. fever may be as high as 104 f , headache, vomiting, diarrhea, an febrile seizures may also occur. visualization of the tympanic membrane shows a reddened and bulging membrane

children living in what types environments have more respiratory infections

passive smoking; because of the effect of secondary smoke on the protective cilia that line the nose

why is this known as swimmers ear?

prolonged exposure to moisture is often the precipitating factor

signs and symptoms of ear infection can include

rubbing or pulling at the ear rolling head from side to side hearing loss loud speech inattentive behavior articulation problems speech development problems

If the ear drum ruptures the child is placed on

the affected side.

Treatment for otitis media

the first line antimicrobial education prescribed is oral amoxicillin, which is given for 10 days, with follow up scheduled after 2 weeks

the health care provider may insert a loose cotton gauze (wick) in the out third of the ear canal, what does this do?

the wick is kept moist with frequent drops of the appropriate medicated solution

Otitis media occurs most often after a

upper respiratory tract infection and usually affects children between 6 and 24 months of age and those in early childhood.