July 11, 2010
Defining Otitis Media
Otitis media: This is the official medical terminology used to refer to middle ear infections. Ear infections are any inflammation of the ear. Otitis media is an inflammation in the area between the tympanic membrane and the inner ear. There are two types of ear infections that can result in patients claiming in “earache.” Otitis media is one of them.
There are several types of medical conditions/issues that can cause patients to refer to it as an “earache” (shingles, cancers in areas that share common nerve supply to the ear). But the only other ear infection that will result in the painful sensation most will identify as an earache is otitis externa.
Otitis media “types” include:
1. Acute otitis media: this type is purely viral (in most instances). It also typically presents with an accompanying underlying respiratory infection. To reach full recovery patients may need several weeks. During the time required for recovery the condition’s symptoms can sometimes be alleviated through the use of topical medications.
2. Otitis media with effusion: this type is caused by unhealthy function of the eustachian tubes that result in a collection of fluid in the middle ear.
3. Chronic suppurative otitis media: is defined by the presence of a perforation or hole in the tympanic membrane. Bacterial infection in the middle ear is typically active for several weeks. It is most common in individuals with poor eustachian tube function.
Treatment: When a patient is diagnosed with otitis media oral and/or topical analgesics are often diagnosed to handle the pain. Cases of otitis media that are not resolved naturally with the aid of pain management within a few days of onset are most often treated with antibiotics. The first line of antibiotic treatment is amoxicillin. If the bacteria is resistant another penicillin derivative plus beta lactamase inhibitor is second in line. Five days of treatment is optimal.
Summary: Otitis media often comes with accompanying pain. This can result in sleepless nights (for patients and parents of young patients). There are risks for eardrum perforations. Some eventually heal, but others do not. Perforations that do not heal can escalate into more severe medical conditions such as meningitis and mastoiditis. If left untreated acute otitis media can even result in death of the patient.
The high fever that often accompanies cases of otitis media can sometimes cause febrile seizures. Appropriate antibiotic treatment prevents these complications in most cases.
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4 Comments on Defining Otitis Media »
April 17, 2011
stinger139 @ 12:42 am:
Well, she’s in for it now! 3 meals a day, free medical and dental, workshops, arts and crafts, rec time ,libraries for the next 25 years because of a few who believe that she deserves all of that. She was found guilty so lets get on with it. The jury has spoken.
May 12, 2011
c u n d gulag @ 12:56 pm:
No improvement in the economy, because that wouldn’t help the Republicans politically. No more jobs – good, bad, or indifferent. The coming SS and Medicare slashing, because, you know, rich people really can’t be taxed another nickle, the poor dears…Well, despite all of that, I think I figured out how I’m going to survive into my old age. I don’t have to live in an old refrigerator box under an overpass, dumpster diving for my meals, or “cleaning” peoples car windows for spare change. NO! I can do what every older person can do. There’s a place where you get 3 hot’s and a cot every day, free medical and dental care (maybe not the best food or care, but it’s something): PRISON!I’m not joking. We have tons of prisons. We have new, unoccupied detention centers. Now, the key is not to end up in a Maximum Security facility. Those suck. The key is Medium, or Minimum, Security. The real badasses are in the Max’s. So, the aim is either a long string of misdemeanor’s, or robbery without hurting anybody. I mean, you can’t go into a bank, armed to the teeth. You might get hurt!!! No, pull up to a window, and on your own deposit slip, write a note asking for cash. Then sit and wait for the cops. You committed a crime, so they have to charge you. You get a public defender, and count on their incompetence. If you get a good one, ask for someone new. And since politicians are always having to show how tough on crime they are, you’ll be sent away. If you don’t carry a gun or a knife, you’ll probably get a few years in a lower echelon prison. Tell them you keep Kosher, even if you’re not Jewish – the food’s better. Or, Halal, same thing – and that may have the benefit of adding a couple of more years to your sentence, since you might be a Gray Muslim Panther/Terrorist.Now, if/when you’re released, you go and do the same thing. I know, you won’t have a car. But don’t let that deter you. Call a cab from prison, have them take you to the drive up window, and pass another note. Wait for the cops. Now, you’re a repeat offender, and you’ll get an even longer sentece – and this is what you want. And every time you’re released – rinse and repeat. Plus, they bury you for free, too, I hear.So, prison’s my retirement plan – and I’m sticking to it. Hey, it’s better than my current one of hitting the NY State lottery.
June 4, 2011
Lawrence Baltazar @ 2:50 pm:
I cannot understand how these killers can have a computer. Who pays for their internet service?? Who paid for their computer?? They are suppose to be paying for their crimes. It's bad enough that we have to feed them and give them free medical and dental services, we are not suppose to make them comfortable and give them all of these other services. When exactly does the punishment start???? They should have been put to death a long time ago. They should be in a prison cell, given two meals a day, no medical no dental, until they die. No T.V no computer, no books, no newspapers, nothing.
June 12, 2011
Rose Shuman @ 2:14 pm:
Sure, I have posted the description below – thanks!