Final answer:
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is commonly caused by bacterial agents such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and is characterized by pus accumulation in the middle ear. Contributory factors include eustachian tube anatomy and respiratory infections. Otitis externa, or swimmer's ear, often requires specialized ear drops for treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) and Etiology
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is a common ear infection, especially in young children, characterized by the accumulation of pus in the middle ear due to a bacterial or viral infection, which can cause ear pain, fever, and possibly hearing loss if not treated. The middle ear effusion can lead to acute otitis media with effusion (OME), where fluid accumulates without signs or symptoms of acute infection. The inflammatory process in AOM swells the eustachian tubes, making them dysfunctional, leading to the accumulation of fluids and creating an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria or viruses.
Common causative agents of AOM include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Factors that facilitate AOM include upper respiratory infections, anatomically shorter eustachian tubes in children, and negative pressure in the eustachian tube during bottle feeding while lying down. Bacterial rhinosinusitis is often triggered by viral upper respiratory infections that impair the mucociliary clearance mechanism and promote bacterial superinfection.
Treatment and Resistance
For the treatment of AOM, antibiotics are often prescribed. In the case of otitis externa, which is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is also known as swimmer's ear, treatments include ear drops containing acetic acid, antibacterials, and possibly steroids to reduce inflammation. Resistance in Pseudomonas spp. may necessitate the use of antibiotics like Polymyxin B, gentamicin, or certain fluoroquinolones.