Acute Otitis Media (AOM) refers to the presence of fluid in the middle ear and symptoms or signs of inflammation must be present in inflicted patients. Although AOM may occur at any ages, it is in the U.S most commonly seen in infants aged between 6 and 24 months. Established risk factors are as follows:
- Daycare: Children attending daycare centers have been shown to have higher incidence of AOM [Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2000 Sep 15;55(1):33-45]
- Pacifier use: Children who use a pacifier have higher incidence of AOM
- Tobacco smoke
- Air pollution
- Family history
Breast feeding for 3 months or longer has been shown to decrease episodes of AOM [Clin Infect Dis 1996 Jun;22(6):1079-83].
The congestion of the inner lining, a.k.a. mucosa, of the eustachian tube, a.k.a. ear tube, precedes AOM. This congestion causes obstruction of the ear tube. The obstruction results in accumulation of secretions in the middle ear where viruses and bacteria grow and cause AOM. The middle ear secretions may persist for weeks following AOM.
To diagnose AOM, doctors use a pneumatic otoscope.
Normal ear drum
Ear drum in acute otitis media
Complications of AOM such as mastoiditis and meningitis occur more often in developing countries. Other important complications are labyrinthitis, petrositis, and lateral sinus thrombosis.
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