What tests should be done for otitis media?
Otitis media is a common ear disease that mostly affects children, but adults can also get it. To accurately diagnose the type and severity of otitis media, doctors usually recommend a series of tests. Below are details about the examination of otitis media to help you understand the diagnostic process.
1. Common symptoms of otitis media
Before introducing the examination methods, let us first understand the common symptoms of otitis media to better judge whether medical treatment is needed:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Earache | Persistent or paroxysmal pain, especially at night |
| hearing loss | Feeling of blockage in ears and temporary hearing loss |
| Ear discharge | Suppurative otitis media may be accompanied by yellow or green discharge |
| Fever | More common in children, may be accompanied by systemic symptoms |
| Dizziness or balance problems | Otitis media may affect inner ear function |
2. Routine examination items for otitis media
The following are the tests doctors commonly use when diagnosing otitis media:
| Check items | Inspection purpose | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Otoscopy | Observe the condition of the ear canal and tympanic membrane | No special preparation required, short inspection time |
| hearing test | Assess the degree of hearing loss | It is necessary to comply with the doctor’s instructions and keep quiet |
| Tympanometry | Detect changes in middle ear pressure | Suitable for children, painless examination |
| CT scan | Observe the middle ear and surrounding structures | Metal objects need to be removed and the radiation level is low |
| Bacterial culture | Determine the causative agent of infection | Ear secretion samples need to be collected |
3. Inspections required under special circumstances
For complicated or recurring otitis media, your doctor may recommend the following additional tests:
| Check items | Applicable situations | check meaning |
|---|---|---|
| MRI examination | Suspected intracranial complications | Assess whether brain tissue is involved |
| allergy test | recurrent otitis media | Check for inflammation caused by allergies |
| immune function test | Frequently infected patients | Assess immune system functional status |
| Eustachian tube function test | Chronic otitis media patients | Check the patency of the Eustachian tube |
4. Preparations before inspection
To ensure accurate test results, patients need to pay attention to the following:
1. Avoid using ear drops or ear medicines within 24 hours before the examination
2. Clean the external auditory canal, but do not pick out the ears yourself
3. Children need to be psychologically comforted before examination
4. Inform the doctor of previous ear surgeries and allergies.
5. Avoid exposure to noise before the hearing test
5. Precautions after inspection
Based on the examination results, the doctor will formulate a corresponding treatment plan. Things to note after the inspection:
1. Keep your ears dry and avoid getting water in them
2. Use antibiotics or other drugs as directed by your doctor
3. Regular follow-up visits to monitor changes in condition
4. If severe pain or fever occurs, seek medical attention promptly.
5. Avoid flying or diving to prevent barotrauma
6. Suggestions for preventing otitis media
Prevention is better than cure. The following measures can reduce the risk of otitis media:
| Precautions | Specific methods |
|---|---|
| Avoid upper respiratory tract infections | Wash your hands frequently and get the flu shot |
| Blowing your nose correctly | Blowing nostrils on one side alternately to avoid using too much force |
| breastfeeding | Reduce the incidence of otitis media in infants |
| Avoid secondhand smoke | Smoke irritation increases the risk of disease |
| Control allergy symptoms | Prompt treatment of diseases such as allergic rhinitis |
Through the above detailed examination introduction, I believe you have a more comprehensive understanding of the diagnostic process of otitis media. If symptoms of ear discomfort occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively prevent complications.
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