Knowra Acute otitis media Acute otitis media Acute otitis media is a rapid-onset infection of the middle ear, characterized by fluid behind the eardrum and signs of inflammation such as ear pain or fever.
Middle ear effusion : Fluid accumulated in the space behind the eardrum, with or without acute inflammation. Effusion is the fluid component that distinguishes the affected middle ear.
Pneumatic otoscopy : An examination that uses gentle air pressure to assess eardrum movement. Reduced eardrum mobility helps identify middle-ear fluid during diagnosis.
Mastoiditis : An infection of the mastoid air cells in the bone behind the ear, often following middle-ear infection. It is a rare but serious complication requiring prompt medical assessment.
Otitis externa : Inflammation or infection of the external ear canal, outside the eardrum. It causes ear pain too, but the infection is in the canal rather than the middle ear.
Streptococcus pneumoniae : A bacterium that commonly causes pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and middle-ear infections. It is one of the leading bacterial causes of acute middle-ear infection.
Tympanometry : A test that measures eardrum movement in response to changes in ear-canal pressure. It can support detection of middle-ear effusion when the examination is uncertain.
Tympanic membrane perforation : A hole or tear in the eardrum that can result from injury, pressure, or infection. Pressure from infection can rupture the eardrum, sometimes with sudden drainage and pain relief.
Chronic suppurative otitis media : Persistent middle-ear inflammation with ongoing discharge through a perforated eardrum. Its chronic drainage and perforation differ from the acute, usually short-lived presentation.
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae : A strain of Haemophilus influenzae lacking a polysaccharide capsule, associated with respiratory and ear infections. This bacterium is another frequent cause, especially in recurrent or persistent cases.
Amoxicillin : A penicillin-class antibiotic used to treat susceptible bacterial infections. It is commonly selected as first-line antibiotic treatment when antibiotics are indicated.
Show all 20