Otitis media, otherwise known as an ear infection, is a very common occurrence in children seven months up to fifteen years of age. Specifically, this type of ear infection is categorized as an inflammation of the middle ear, and subcategorized into either acute otitis or chronic otitis media. It begins with a bacterial or viral infection from the throat that spreads into the ear, causing a fluid backup in the middle part of the ear. “It is estimated that, by the time they reach two years of age, all the children in the United States currently under that age will have had a total of 9.3 million episodes of acute otitis media, and that approximately 17 percent of children have three or more episodes during a six-month period (Berman 1995). Clearly, otitis media is one of the most commonly diagnosed and treated types of disease in the United States. Due to its common diagnosis, it is no surprise that, “the annual cost of the medical and surgical treatment of otitis in the United States is estimated at between $3 billion and $4 billion, (Berman 1995). Concerning the epidemiology of otitis media, there are risk factors, transmission variations, and occurrences involved. For example, due to statistics indicating that otitis media is a much more common occurrence in younger children, age can be qualified as a risk factor. Also, young children have interaction among each other in schools, day-cares, nurseries, and of course within the home among family members (if families consist of many children). Therefore, another risk factor associated with otitis media can be location and environment, where the disease can be contracted. Also, adults are less likely to contract an ear infection because children have shorter and more horizontal eu... ... middle of paper ... ...mage, mastoiditis, cholesteatoma, epidural abscess, tympanosclerosis, paralysis of the face, and even speech impingement. Treatment regarding antibiotics can be controversial, and it is vital for health-care providers to properly assess and diagnose the symptoms and signs of otitis media, as well as accurately follow a care plan that works best for the patient. Bibliography M.D., S. B. (1995). Otitis Media in Children. The New England Journal of Medicine, 1(332), 1560-1565. Retrieved December 5, 2011, from http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199506083322307 M.D., S. J., Morita, N., Cureoglu, S., Schachern, P. A., Deroee, A. F., Tsuprun, V., et al. (2010). Cochlear Pathology in Human Temporal Bones with Otitis Media. Acta Otolaryngol, 130(4), 472-476. Retrieved December 5, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2925651/
At a young age, I witnessed my younger brother lodge an eraser in his ear and later have it removed by a doctor. A year later he had tubes inserted and a year or so after that, I saw those tubes fall out of his head. Besides thinking that my younger brother was really a robot with metal parts falling out of his brain, it was where my fascination of the human ear began. Since then I’ve helped my grandfather and father with their hearing aids, especially replacing the small batteries which was difficult for their large farmers’ hands. I’ve also observed my older sister, an Audiologist in California, for two weeks as she worked with patients, letting me do hearing aid cleanings, help with sales, file patient records, observe ear molds being
Otitis externa is diagnosed by a culture taken from the ear canal. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment begins with, antibiotics or steroid drops. These drugs are used are used to treat the inflammation in the ear. This condition is very painful, because of the inflammation and swelling of the auditory canal. Patients may also complain of hearing loss and purulent (pus like) drainage from the ear. To cure the condition and not have it return patients must keep the ear canal clean and dry of the condition will continue and becomes a chronic condition.
The labyrinthitis is an inflammatory disease of the ' inner ear, whose main symptoms are dizziness, nausea and loss of balance. Inflammation of the labyrinth, which is that part of the inner ear that governs our sense of balance, it is in usually caused by an infection of viral or bacterial origin.
Sound is localised to the ear by the pinna, travelling down the auditory canal, vibrating the eardrum. The eardrums vibrations are then passed down through the ossicles, three small bones known as the hammer, anvil and stirrup that then transfer the vibrations to the oval window of the cochlea. The cochlea is filled with fluid that when exposed to these vibrations stimulate the sterocilia. This small hair cells "wiggle" along to certain frequencies transferring the vibrations into electrical impulses that are then sent to the brain. If the ear is exposed to noise levels of too high an intensity the sterocilia are overstimulated and many become permanently damaged . (Sliwinska-Kowalska et. All,
Smith brings his 4-year-old to your office with chief complaints of right ear pain, sneezing, mild cough, and low-grade fever of 100 degrees for the last 72 hours. Today, the child is alert, cooperative, and well hydrated. You note a mildly erythemic throat with no exudate, both ears mild pink tympanic membrane with good movement, lungs clear. You diagnose an acute upper respiratory infection, probably viral in nature. Mr. Smith is states that the family is planning a trip out of town starting tomorrow and would like an antibiotic just in case.
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear that is determined by recurrent
Derrick joined his school football team in seventh grade. His mother, a nurse, was extremely hesitant because she did not want Coleman’s hearing to decrease again. However, his father wanted to let him play, claiming that it would be a great chance at normalcy and release from his aggression. After an MRI was completed and proved football would not harm his hearing worse, he was finally allowed to p...
It is the disease of interstitial keratitis with deafness and vertigo attacks. Ataxic incidents may occasionally report. Abnormal MRI scans are of rare complaints. Deafness is very rare incidence in multiple sclerosis. Plus, cerebrospinal fluid readings are normal.
The term minority refers to the membership within a cultural minority group, but also encompasses other groups that lack equality, such as people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. Deaf and hard of hearing people are classified as a linguistic and cultural minority because of their inability to hear. Hearing loss may be inherited, or be a result of complications at birth. It may also occur as a result of chronic ear infections and or certain infectious diseases. Hearing loss can also be a natural consequence of aging. As we get older our hearing ability worsens and a common reason is exposure to loud noise. Over 5% of the world’s population – 360 million people – has disabling hearing
"American Academy of PediatricsDedicated to the Health of All Children." American Academy of Pediatrics. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2014. .
Strasburger, Victor C., Amy B. Jordan, and Ed Donnerstein. "Health Effects of Media on Children and Adolescents." Pediatrics 125.4 (2010): 756-67. Ebsco. Web. 26 Jan. 2011.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults. It can cause blood poisoning and affect the brain and nerves. Viral meningitis can make you very sick, but it often doesn’t leave lingering effects. Bacterial meningitis is more serious. It progresses rapidly and can cause permanent damage or even become life-threatening. Stiff neck and back are common in meningitis. It may become difficult to turn your neck at all. In severe cases, the head, neck, and spine become painfully rigid and arched (opisthotonos). Babies and young children are more likely to experience opisthotonos than older people. A baby with meningitis may produce a high-pitched
The current hypothesis is that one of my genes is a mutated gene, that mutated gene is what is causing my hearing loss. If this is the real reason why I have hearing loss, there is also worry for what other problems does this mutated gene cause. With finding a mutated gene, they will most likely be able to predict how much worse my hearing will get. Another possible but not likely cause is a tumor, currently, I have to get an MRI to make sure that there is no growth inside of my head. If there is a growth, that will lead to some serious issues. The last possible cause is that loud noises have damaged my hearing, but it is even more less likely than a tumor. I am almost never exposed to loud music, concerts, or anything of that nature, which would causes hearing loss. Since I've been losing hearing since I was 5, they have practically ruled that one out because it makes no
"Impact of Media Use on Children and Youth." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2003. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. .
Have you ever dealt with severe pain and discomfort in your sinuses? Or have you ever had headaches or sore throats but categorized it as merely a migraine or cold? Many people may not know that these are symptoms for Sinusitis, a very common health issue that affects 37 million people a year (Balloon Sinuplasty). Sinusitis is “an inflammation of the mucous lining of the nasal passages and sinuses” (University Maryland Medical Center).). Although sinusitis originates from the nasal passages, there are numerous symptoms that can lead to sinusitis. Sinusitis can begin when one experiences difficulty breathing through the nose, throbbing headaches, and swelling of the area around the eyes and face. In addition, thick green or yellow discharge from the nose or back of the throat is a sign of sinusitis. It is imperative to see an ENT (Ear, Neck, and Throat) doctor if these symptoms occur, particularly after one experiences a cold or allergies. If a doctor is not seen immediately, one can develop serious and long term issues such as swelling around the eyes, skin redness, severe facial pain, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, feelings of weakness and apathy, and high fever (Pubmed Health). Many people may not realize the severity of sinusitis. There are four types of sinusitis: acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent. Acute sinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks, subacute sinusitis lasts from 4 to 12 weeks, chronic sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks but can linger for months and years, and recurrent occurs several times within a year (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases). Although there are home treatments and surgical procedures for Sinusitis, Balloon Sinuplasty is the newest and invasive surgical option that proves to be ...