Acute Otitis Media in Children

Title:Acute Otitis Media in Children

Volume: 11 Issue: 1

Author(s): Alexander K.C Leung*Alex H.C. Wong

Affiliation:

• The University of Calgary, Alberta Children’s Hospital, #200, 233 - 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta,Canada

Keywords: Amoxicillin, erythematous tympanic membrane, fever, middle ear effusion, otalgia, otorrhea, watchful observation.

Abstract: Background: Acute otitis media is a common childhood infection. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are very important.

Objective: To review in depth the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, complications and particularly treatment of acute otitis media in children.

Methods: A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key term “acute otitis media”. Patents were searched using the key term “acute otitis media” from www.google.com/patents, http://espacenet.com, and www.freepatentsonline.com.

Results: Acute otitis media affects over 80% of children before their third birthday and 30 to 45% of these children have suffered two or more episodes. Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontypable Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most frequently isolated middle-ear pathogens. The diagnosis is based on acute onset of symptoms such as otalgia and fever, middle ear inflammation such as erythema of the tympanic membrane, and middle ear effusion. The choice of treatment method depends on the age of the child, laterality, and the severity of the disease. Recent patents related to the management of acute otitis media are also retrieved and discussed.

Conclusion: Antimicrobial treatment is recommended for all children less than two years of age, as well as in children ≥ two years of age who have a temperature ≥ 39oC; are toxic looking; have otalgia > 48 hours; have bilateral otitis media or otorrhea; have craniofacial abnormalities; are immunocompromised; or have uncertain access to follow-up. Amoxicillin is the drug of choice. Observation without antibiotic is an option in immunocompetent children ≥ two years of age who have an acute uncomplicated otitis media and non-severe illness if appropriate follow-up can be arranged.

Cite this article as:

Leung K.C Alexander*, Wong H.C. Alex , Acute Otitis Media in Children, Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery 2017; 11 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874609810666170712145332

DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874609810666170712145332	Print ISSN 1872-213X
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher	Online ISSN 2212-2710