Acute otitis media ( AOM )

Acute Otitis Media ( AOM ) is defined as the presence of inflammation in the middle ear accompanied by the rapid onset of signs and symptoms of an ear infectionOtitis media with effusion ( OME ) previously called OM or secretory OM is middle ear effusion of any duration that lacks the associated signs and symptoms of infection. OME usually follows an episode of AOM

AOM is a highly prevalent condition with 50-80 % of children affected by 3 yrs of age Second most common disease of childhood ( particularly < 5 yrs ) Less common in adults ( < 1 % ) Peaks between 6-15 months One of the most common reasons for prescribing antibiotics Complications such as mastoiditis are rare ( ie high morbidity low mortality )

Can be caused by both bacterial and viral infection -viral / bacterial co-infection is also common Respiratory viruses account for most cases of OM and are self limiting

risk factors

Day care attendance Older siblings ( having suffered AOM ) Young age Family history Absence of breast feeding Supine feedings ( bottle propping ) Craniofacial abnormalities ( eg Down' syndrome or cleft palate ) Lower socioeconomic status Immunological deficiency Native Americans...