Diagnosis and Treatment of Otitis Media in Children. Acute Otitis Media.

[Refer to Otitis Media with Effusion algorithm (box 14)]

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Source: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI). Diagnosis and treatment of otitis media in children. Bloomington (MN): Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI); 2008 Jan. 25 p. Diagnosis and Treatment of Otitis Media in Children Acute Otitis Media Caregiver or patient calls with otitis media-related symptoms or concerns. A Symptoms Suggestive of Otitis Media. Children Less Than Three Years -irritability. -fever. -night waking. -poor feeding. -running nose. -conjunctivitis. -balance problems. -hearing loss. -ear pain. Symptoms suggestive of otitis media? A Triage for other illnesses and/or reassurance. A Schedule appointment. A Children Three Years and Older -ear pain. -ear drainage. -hearing loss. -ear popping. -ear fullness. -dizziness. Meets diagnostic criteria for acute otitis media? A Meets diagnostic criteria for otitis media with effusion? A Diagnostic Criteria for Acute Otitis Media. *Middle ear effusion (seen on exam and/or confirmed by pneumatic otoscopy) with either: -local signs of inflammation; or -ear pain, ear drainage, irritability, restlessness, or poor feeding. Discuss prevention of otitis media. A Refer to Otitis Media with Effusion algorithm (box 14) Initiate appropriate treatment. A History of recurrent acute otitis media? (3 episodes/6 months, 4 episodes/12 months). A Consider ENT referral. A Diagnostic Criteria for Otitis Media with Effusion. *Middle ear effusion (seen on exam and/or confirmed by pneumatic otoscopy) or abnormal tympanometry without signs or symptoms of acute otitis media. Acute otitis media symptoms resolved? A Schedule follow-up. A Out of guideline A = Annotation All copyrights are reserved by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, Inc.