The pediatric tympanic membrane: see it, describe it, treat it.
Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common childhood conditions for which antibiotics are prescribed, often unnecessarily. Current medical literature focuses on the treatment of AOM, appropriate antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance. Placing more emphasis on examination and description of the tympanic membrane (TM) reduces the over-diagnosing of AOM and concerns associated with antibiotic use. A thorough examination of the ear must be performed in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This article presents a three-step technique to assist providers to perform pneumatic otoscopy, visualize the TM, describe their findings, and subsequently treat AOM.
McDivitt
Keith
K
Indian Health Service, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana, USA. keith.mcdivitt@mail.ihs.gov
D000208:Acute Disease; D000367:Age Factors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003939:Diagnostic Techniques, Otological / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D038781:Otoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D018579:Patient Selection; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D012008:Recurrence; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000473:pathology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents