Final answer:
Suppurative otitis media is characterized by infection and pus in the middle ear, leading to ear pain and possible fever, while serous otitis media involves the presence of non-infected fluid due to issues like eustachian tube dysfunction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Suppurative Otitis Media and Serous Otitis Media:
Suppurative otitis media (SOM) and serous otitis media (SOM) are both conditions affecting the middle ear, but they differ significantly in their manifestations. SOM, also known as acute otitis media (AOM), includes infection characterized by pus formation and accumulation within the middle ear cavity, which often leads to ear pain, bulging of the tympanic membrane, and sometimes fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.
This dysfunction can lead to fluid buildup, creating an environment for bacterial growth. Common microbes involved in AOM are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Also, conditions like bacterial rhinosinusitis can cause increased pressure on the eardrum, leading to AOM. The key factor often triggering bacterial rhinosinusitis is a viral upper respiratory infection that can cause nasal inflammation and subsequent obstruction.