Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast.

My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be talking to you about Otitis Media.

And you can find written notes on this topic at zero definals.com slash otitis media

or in the E&T section of the Zero to Finals Pediatrics book.

So let's get straight into it.

Botitis Media is the name given to an infection in the middle ear. The middle ear is the space

that sits between the tympanic membrane or the eardrum and the inner ear. This is where

the cochlear, vestibular apparatus and nerves are found.

It's a very common sight of infection in children.

The bacteria enter from the back of the throat through the eustation tube and into the middle ear.

Otitis media is often preceded by a viral upper respiratory tract infection.

Let's talk about the bacteria that cause otitis media.

The most common bacterial cause of otitis media as well as other E&T infections such as rhinocinocytus and tonsillitis

is streptoccus pneumoniae.

The other common organisms include hemophilus influenza,

Moraxela cataralis and staphlococcus aureus.

Let's talk about the presentation.

Otitis media presents with ear pain,

reduced hearing in the affected ear, and general symptoms of upper airway infection,

such as fever, cough, carisal symptoms, sore throat and feeling generally unwell.

When the infection affects the vestibular system, it can cause balance issues and vertigo.

When the tympanic membrane has perforated, there may be a discharge from the ear.

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