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Acute Otitis Media Brad Stephens is a 5-year-old child with a medical history of chronic acute otitis media (AOM). With his first ear infection at 9 months of age, his symptoms were quite pronounced. He spiked a 104.5∘F fever, ate and slept poorly, and was extremely fussy. However, with repeated episodes of $$\mathrm{AOM}$$ while he has aged, his symptoms have lessened significantly, making it difficult for his parents to know when he has an ear infection. Often his only symptom is fussiness. Brad has responded reasonably well in the past to antibiotics and decongestants, yet the infections frequently recur a short time later. Medical History of Chronic Acute Otitis Media Essay Paper  At the age of 5 , he still has one to two episodes of AOM each month. This raises concerns about hearing loss, so he was referred to an ENT specialist for consultation.

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The result was the decision to perform bilateral tympanotomy with tube placement. Acute otitis media (AOM), the most common infection in infants and children, occurs when bacteria make their way from the oropharynx Acute otitis media (AOM), the most common infection in infants and children, occurs when bacteria make their way from the oropharynx into the middle ear via the eustachian tube. Infections such as AOM often occur near the end of an upper respiratory infection (URI). Tissues are inflamed and edematous, and secretions are copious. Other risk factors for AOM include allergies and sinusitis. While infection sets in, the middle ear becomes inflamed, which causes edema and pressure in the middle ear. Serous fluid usually accumulates behind the TM as well. In some children, the eustachian tube does not readily open to allow passage of air or fluid to relieve this pressure. As a result, the TM begins to bulge outward. This pressure, along with inflammation, causes pain and a sensation of the ear being plugged. Hearing is temporarily impaired at this point. In severe cases, the TM becomes blistered or even ruptures, which results in scarring and varying amounts of hearing loss. With mild cases of AOM, treatment may focus on relieving pain with analgesics, such as acetaminonhen and treating rongestion More- acetaminophen, and treating congestion. Moresevere cases are treated with antibiotics. In the case of chronic AOM, surgery is considered. Surgery is generally a last resort and serves the purpose of buying time while the child grows and matures. In many cases, a child will outgrow ear infections as the structures of the middle ear and throat further develop and the eustachian tubes begin to work more effectively. When a tympanotomy is performed, tiny tubes are inserted into the TM, which creates a windowlike opening between the middle and outer ear. The procedure does not prevent AOM from occurring, but it does allow fluid and air to escape, reducing pressure in the middle ear and preventing rupture of the TM. This risk of permanent damage or hearing loss is reduced. An added advantage is that it becomes easier to recognize an infection, because drainage from the ear is easily observed, which allows for earlier treatment. The tiny tubes remain in place for 6 months to 2 years, eventually working their way out into the ear canal, at which time the TM heals itself. 1. What medical issue is Brad experiencing? Write the medical term and definition in your own words. 2. Brad underwent a bilateral tympanotomy with tube placement. This procedure involves: 3. What factors contribute to the development of AOM? 4. Describe how chronic pain, such as a recurring earache, would affect your activities of daily living (ADLs). 5. Describe three or more ways in which hearing loss could affect a young child's ADLs.  Medical History of Chronic Acute Otitis Media Essay Paper