Otitis media: an update

Abstract

Otitis media is a multifactorial disease involving microbiological agents, environmental risk factors and host characteristics. It is a highly prevalent childhood illness. The clinical presentation is typically not specific in younger children and the diagnosis is based on characteristics of the tympanic membrane, particularly mobility. The mainstay of management continues to be antibiotics, however, bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents has influenced the pharmacological management of otitis media. Myringotomies and tympanostomy tube placement are indicated for specific cases of otitis media. Modification of environmental risk factors whenever possible is helpful. Further investigation of microbiological, immunological and genetic influences on this common childhood illness may play a role in shaping our management of otitis media in the next decade.