OVERVIEW: What every practitioner needs to know The external ear canal is a cul-de-sac lined by a thin layer of skin and may be the site of inflammation and infection. Infections include pustules, furuncles, and cellulitis. Inflammation of the canal may result in edema and occlusion of the canal accompanied by severe pain. Swimmer’s ear…
OVERVIEW: What every practitioner needs to know Are you sure your patient has mastoiditis? What should you expect to find? Acute mastoiditis is diagnosed by pain and tenderness over the mastoid bone. Signs of acute otitis media (AOM) including fever, ear pain, and hearing loss are usually present or have preceded infection of the mastoid.…
OVERVIEW: What every practitioner needs to know Are you sure your patient has otitis media? What should you expect to find? Acute otitis media (AOM) is diagnosed based on three criteria: Onset of acute illness including nonspecific signs of illness (fever, irritability, headache, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea) and specific signs (ear pain, otorrhea, hearing impairment,…
