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dx.
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Interpretation guide
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Ear Pain
Resuscitation and Universal Approaches
Approach to Unresponsive Patient
Approach to Airway Obstruction And Stridor
Approach to Acute Respiratory Distress With Impending Failure
Approach to Peri-arrest Hypotension
Approach to Post Resuscitation Care After Rosc
Approach to Cardiac Arrest Rhythms, Pea, Asystole
Approach to Cardiac Arrest Rhythms, Vf, Pulseless Vt
Approach to Severe Agitation With Safety Risk
Approach to Procedural Sedation
Chest and Cardiovascular
Approach to Pacemaker And Icd Related Presentations
Approach to Acute Limb Ischemia And Leg Pain
Approach to Suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms
Approach to Hypertension
Approach to Chest Pain
Approach to Palpitations And Tachyarrhythmia Symptoms
Approach to Bradycardia Symptoms
Approach to Syncope And Presyncope
Approach to Syncope With Neurologic Concern
Approach to Unilateral Leg Swelling
Approach to Bilateral Leg Swelling
Approach to Calf Pain And Swelling
Respiratory
Approach to Wheezing, Undifferentiated
Approach to Wheezing In Infants
Approach to Stridor And Upper Airway Symptoms
Approach to Dyspnea
Approach to Aspiration Event
Approach to Cough
Approach to Hemoptysis
Approach to Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms
Approach to Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Presentation
Approach to Smoke Inhalation Concern
Approach to Smoke Exposure And Inhalational Injury
Abdominal and Gastrointestinal
Approach to Abdominal Distension
Approach to Abdominal Pain, Undifferentiated
Approach to Acute Abdominal Pain (general)
Approach to Suspected Incarcerated Or Strangulated Hernia
Approach to Pancreatitis Concern
Approach to Biliary Colic And Cholecystitis Concern
Approach to Appendicitis Concern
Approach to Diverticulitis Concern
Approach to Rectal Pain And Anorectal Complaints
Approach to Dysphagia And Food Bolus Impaction
Approach to Foreign Body Ingestion
Approach to Refractory Vomiting And Recurrent Vomiting Syndromes
Approach to Cannabis Associated Hyperemesis
Approach to Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms (melena)
Approach to Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding And Hematochezia
Approach to Constipation And Obstipation
Approach to Diarrhea
Approach to Acute Hepatitis And Jaundice Concern
Approach to Right Upper Quadrant Pain
Approach to Epigastric Pain
Approach to Left Upper Quadrant Pain
Approach to Right Lower Quadrant Pain
Approach to Left Lower Quadrant Pain
Approach to Suprapubic Pain
Renal and Urinary
Approach to Oliguria And Anuria
Approach to Catheter Related Urinary Complaints
Approach to Dialysis Patient Presentations
Approach to Flank Pain And Renal Colic Concern
Approach to Urinary Retention
Approach to Hematuria
Approach to Scrotal Pain
Neurologic
Approach to Transient Neurologic Deficits
Approach to Acute Aphasia And Speech Disturbance
Approach to Acute Confusion And Delirium
Approach to Postictal State And Seizure Recurrence Concern
Approach to Seizure
Approach to Acute Vision Loss
Approach to New Tremor And Involuntary Movements
Approach to Headache
Approach to Vertigo
Approach to Acute Weakness Or Numbness
Approach to Gait Instability And Ataxia
Back and Neck
Approach to Atraumatic Back Pain
Approach to Sciatica And Radicular Back Pain
Approach to Back Pain With Neurologic Deficit, Cauda Equina Concern
Approach to Back Pain With Fever Or Immunosuppression, Spinal Infection Concern
Approach to Atraumatic Neck Pain
Approach to Neck Pain After Trauma
Approach to Neck Pain With Meningismus Concern
Approach to Acute Torticollis
Women's Health, Pregnancy, and GU
Approach to Vaginal Discharge
Approach to Hyperemesis Gravidarum Concern
Approach to Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy Symptoms
Approach to Postpartum Hemorrhage Concern
Approach to Postpartum Infection Concern
Approach to Sexual Assault Medical Evaluation Overview
Approach to Pelvic Pain
Approach to Vaginal Bleeding, Nonpregnant
Approach to Vaginal Bleeding In Pregnancy
Approach to Pelvic Pain In Pregnancy
Approach to Post Procedure Or Post Abortion Complications Concern
Infectious Disease and Fever Syndromes
Approach to Fever In The Immunocompromised Patient
Approach to Fever With Rash
Approach to Animal Bites And Rabies Risk Assessment
Approach to Tick Exposure And Tick Borne Illness Concern
Approach to Sepsis Concern Without Clear Source
Approach to Soft Tissue Infection Concern
Approach to Abscess And Skin Infection Concern
Approach to Sore Throat
Approach to Sore Throat And Pharyngitis Symptoms
Approach to Meningitis
Approach to Envenomation And Bites
Allergy and Dermatology
Approach to Pruritus Without Rash
Approach to Contact Dermatitis And Eczema Flare
Approach to Herpes Zoster Concern
Approach to Drug Eruption Concern And Severe Cutaneous Reaction Red Flags
Approach to Urticaria
Approach to Angioedema Concern
Approach to Unexplained Bruising Or Bleeding Symptoms
Musculoskeletal and Extremities
Approach to Shoulder Pain
Approach to Elbow Pain
Approach to Wrist Pain
Approach to Hand Pain
Approach to Hip Pain
Approach to Knee Pain
Approach to Ankle Pain
Approach to Foot Pain
Approach to Cast Or Splint Complication Symptoms
Approach to Wound Check And Suture Related Visits
Approach to Joint Swelling And Monoarthritis
Approach to Suspected Septic Joint Presentation
Approach to Suspected Tendon Rupture Presentation
Approach to Limp Or Refusal To Bear Weight
Trauma and Wounds
Approach to Motor Vehicle Collision Evaluation
Approach to Chest Wall Trauma And Rib Injury
Approach to Blunt Abdominal Trauma Evaluation
Approach to Penetrating Trauma Evaluation
Approach to Pediatric Minor Head Trauma
Approach to Pediatric Head Trauma
Approach to Facial Lacerations And Dental Trauma
Approach to Hand Lacerations With Tendon Injury Concern
Approach to Puncture Wounds And Retained Foreign Body Concern
Approach to Electrical Injury
Approach to Burn Injury
Approach to Fall Evaluation
Approach to Assault And Interpersonal Violence Evaluation
Approach to Eye Trauma And Hyphema Concern
ENT, Eye, Dental
Approach to Dysphagia And Odynophagia
Approach to Throat Pain
Approach to Ear Pain
Approach to Foreign Body In Ear Or Nose
Approach to Vision Loss Complaint
Approach to Flashes And Floaters
Approach to Atraumatic Eye Pain
Approach to Red Eye
Approach to Dental Abscess Concern
Approach to Post Extraction Pain And Complications
Endocrine, Metabolic, and Abnormal Labs
Approach to Hyperglycemia
Approach to Hypoglycemia
Approach to Hyponatremia Symptoms
Approach to Hyperkalemia Symptoms
Approach to Hypokalemia Symptoms
Approach to Rhabdomyolysis Concern
Approach to Anticoagulation Related Abnormal Coagulation Studies
Approach to Acute Kidney Injury And Elevated Creatinine Referral
Approach to Symptomatic Anemia Concern
Toxicology and Behavioral
Approach to Undifferentiated Overdose
Approach to Opioid Toxicity
Approach to Opioid Withdrawal
Approach to Alcohol Intoxication
Approach to Alcohol Withdrawal
Approach to Stimulant Toxicity
Approach to Pediatric Ingestion
Approach to Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Approach to Inhalational Or Chemical Exposure
Approach to Suicidal Ideation And Self Harm Risk Assessment
Approach to Acute Psychosis And Mania Symptoms
Approach to Anxiety And Panic Symptoms
Approach to Capacity Assessment And Safe Disposition
Approach to Behavioral Escalation And Restraint Considerations
Pediatrics
Approach to Fever In The Neonate And Young Infant
Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 0 To 28 Days
Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 29 To 60 Days
Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 2 To 24 Months
Approach to Pediatric Respiratory Distress
Approach to Croup And Stridor In Children
Approach to Pediatric Dehydration
Approach to Pediatric Abdominal Pain
Approach to Febrile Seizure
Approach to Rash In The Child
Approach to Poor Feeding And Lethargy In The Infant
Approach to Vomiting In The Child
Approach to Diarrhea In The Child
Approach to Pediatric Trauma Evaluation
Approach to Brief Resolved Unexplained Event In The Infant And Apparent Life Threatening Event Concern
Approach to Lethargy And Altered Mental Status In The Child
Environmental and Exposure
Approach to Heat Illness
Approach to Hypothermia And Cold Exposure
Approach to Frostbite Concern
Approach to Drowning And Submersion Injury
Ear Pain
POCUS
Procedures
Calculators
Resuscitation
ECG Guide
Back
Clinical Assessment Checklist
Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
History
HPI
Ear pain history
▶
Laterality
▶
Unilateral
Bilateral
Onset context
▶
After viral URI
After swimming or water exposure
Prior episodes
▶
Recurrent acute otitis media
Recurrent otitis externa
Onset
Onset details
▶
Sudden
Gradual
Duration
▶
Hours
Days
Provocation/Palliation
Triggers and relief
▶
Worse with auricle movement
▶
Tragus pressure
Pinna manipulation
Worse with pressure changes
▶
Flying
Diving
Relief with analgesics
▶
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Quality
Pain characteristics
▶
Sharp
Throbbing
Itchy predominant
▶
Otitis externa pattern
Dermatitis pattern
Region/Radiation
Location and radiation
▶
External ear
Deep ear
Referred pain sites
▶
Jaw or TMJ
Teeth
Severity
Severity and function
▶
Pain score trend
▶
Improving
Worsening
Sleep disruption
▶
None
Present
Timing
Temporal pattern
▶
Constant
Intermittent
Diurnal variation
▶
Worse at night
No pattern
Associated symptoms
Associated features
▶
Otorrhea
▶
Purulent
Bloody
Hearing change
▶
Muffled
Sudden loss
Vestibular symptoms
▶
Vertigo
Imbalance
Infection symptoms
▶
Fever
URI symptoms
Neuro symptoms
▶
Facial weakness
Severe headache
Exposures and procedures
Exposures and instrumentation
▶
Q tip or ear canal trauma
▶
Recent
None
Piercing
▶
Cartilage piercing
Lobule piercing
Foreign body risk
▶
Child history
Known insertion
Alarm Features
Immediate threats
Otalgia red flags
▶
Toxic appearance
▶
Lethargy
Poor perfusion
Mastoid concern
▶
Post auricular swelling
Ear protrusion
Intracranial extension concern
▶
Neck stiffness
Altered mental status
Cranial neuropathy
▶
Facial weakness
Dysphagia or hoarseness
High risk populations
High risk context
▶
Diabetes mellitus
▶
Malignant otitis externa risk
Poor glycemic control
Immunocompromised state
▶
Neutropenia
Transplant medications
Older adult with new otalgia
▶
Temporal arteritis risk
Head and neck malignancy risk
Vital sign danger thresholds
Vital danger signs
▶
Hypotension
▶
Shock physiology
Sepsis pathway activation
High fever with toxicity
▶
Bacteremia concern
Meningitis concern
Escalation triggers
Escalation logic
▶
If airway compromise signs, immediate resuscitation bay
▶
Stridor
Drooling
If mastoiditis suspected, urgent ENT
▶
CT temporal bone if available
IV antibiotics per local protocol dependent
If malignant otitis externa suspected, urgent admission
▶
Severe otalgia out of proportion
Granulation tissue in canal
Medications
Current and recent therapies
Medication review
▶
Recent antibiotics
▶
Amoxicillin or amoxicillin clavulanate
Cephalosporins
Otic drops use
▶
Antibiotic steroid combination
Acidifying drops
Analgesics
▶
Acetaminophen
NSAIDs
High risk medication considerations
Medication risks
▶
Anticoagulants
▶
Bleeding risk with trauma
Hemotympanum differential
Immunosuppressants
▶
Severe infection risk
Atypical pathogens
Ototoxic exposure
▶
Aminoglycosides
Loop diuretics
Contraindications and interactions
Therapy constraints
▶
Tympanic membrane perforation concern
▶
Avoid aminoglycoside ear drops
Prefer non ototoxic drops per local formulary
NSAID cautions
▶
CKD risk
GI bleed risk
Diet
Intake and hydration
Intake pattern
▶
Reduced oral intake
▶
Pain limited intake
Nausea
Hydration indicators
▶
Normal urine output
Decreased urine output
Relevant exposures
Exposure factors
▶
Bottle feeding position in infants
▶
Supine feeding
Upright feeding
Caffeine and stimulants
▶
Increased use
None
Review of Systems
ENT and infectious
ENT and infection ROS
▶
Sore throat
▶
Present
Absent
Nasal congestion
▶
Present
Absent
Sinus pressure
▶
Present
Absent
Fever or chills
▶
Present
Absent
Neurologic and vestibular
Neuro vestibular ROS
▶
Vertigo
▶
Present
Absent
Headache
▶
Mild
Severe
Focal deficits
▶
Facial weakness
Limb weakness
Dental and jaw
Orofacial ROS
▶
Dental pain
▶
Present
Absent
Jaw pain
▶
Chewing pain
Clicking
Neck mass symptoms
▶
Dysphagia
Weight loss
Collateral History and Family History
Collateral sources
Collateral
▶
Parent or caregiver report
▶
Reliable
Limited
School or daycare exposure
▶
Sick contacts
None
Family history
Family history factors
▶
Atopy
▶
Allergic rhinitis
Eczema
Immunodeficiency
▶
Primary immunodeficiency history
Recurrent severe infections in family
Risk Factors
Infection and anatomy risks
Predisposing factors
▶
Young age
▶
Under 2 years
Daycare attendance
Tobacco smoke exposure
▶
Household smoking
None
Craniofacial anomalies
▶
Cleft palate history
Down syndrome
Otitis externa risks
Canal infection risks
▶
Swimming
▶
Frequent
Recent single exposure
Ear canal trauma
▶
Q tip use
Hearing aids or earbuds
Dermatologic disease
▶
Psoriasis
Eczema
Severe infection risks
Invasive risk
▶
Diabetes mellitus
▶
Malignant otitis externa risk
Poor control risk
Immunocompromised state
▶
Steroids
Chemotherapy
Differential Diagnosis
Life threatening
Life threatening causes
▶
Acute mastoiditis (H70.0)
▶
Post auricular erythema swelling
Ear protrusion
Malignant otitis externa (H60.20)
▶
Diabetes or immunocompromise
Severe otalgia out of proportion
Meningitis (G00.9)
▶
Neck stiffness
Altered mental status
Temporal arteritis (M31.6)
▶
Age over 50
Jaw claudication
Common
Common causes
▶
Acute otitis media (H66.90)
▶
Bulging tympanic membrane
Middle ear effusion
Otitis externa (H60.90)
▶
Tragus tenderness
Edematous canal
Cerumen impaction (H61.20)
▶
Occlusive wax
Conductive hearing loss
Eustachian tube dysfunction (H69.90)
▶
Aural fullness
Recent URI
Less common
Less common causes
▶
Tympanic membrane perforation (H72.90)
▶
Sudden pain then relief
Otorrhea
Barotrauma (T70.0)
▶
Flying or diving trigger
Hemotympanum
Herpes zoster oticus Ramsay Hunt (B02.21)
▶
Vesicular rash on ear
Facial palsy
Dental infection
▶
Caries
Gingival swelling
Referred otalgia
Referred pain sources
▶
TMJ disorder (M26.60)
▶
Pain with chewing
Joint clicking
Pharyngitis or tonsillitis (J02.9)
▶
Sore throat
Tonsillar exudate
Peritonsillar abscess (J36)
▶
Trismus
Muffled voice
Cervical spine pathology
▶
Neck pain
Radicular symptoms
Past Medical History
Relevant conditions
Comorbidities
▶
Recurrent otitis media
▶
Tympanostomy tubes history
Prior complications
Diabetes mellitus
▶
Most recent glycemic control
Prior severe infections
Immunodeficiency or immunosuppression
▶
HIV
Chronic steroids
Procedures and devices
Otologic history
▶
Tympanostomy tubes
▶
Current
Past
Ear surgery history
▶
Mastoidectomy
Tympanoplasty
Physical Exam
General and vitals
General assessment
▶
Vitals pattern
▶
Fever
Tachycardia
Toxic appearance
▶
Ill appearing
Well appearing
Otologic exam
Ear exam elements
▶
External ear and pinna
▶
Cellulitis
Perichondritis signs
Ear canal
▶
Edema
Debris
Tragus and pinna tenderness
▶
Present
Absent
Otoscopy tympanic membrane
▶
Bulging
Erythema
Perforation
Tube in place
Mastoid and surrounding structures
Post auricular assessment
▶
Mastoid tenderness
▶
Present
Absent
Post auricular swelling
▶
Present
Absent
Head and neck
Adjacent sources
▶
Oropharynx
▶
Tonsillar exudate
Uvular deviation
Dentition and gingiva
▶
Caries
Abscess
TMJ
▶
Tenderness
Crepitus
Neck
▶
Cervical lymphadenopathy
Meningismus
Neurologic
Neuro screen
▶
Cranial nerves
▶
Facial nerve weakness
Hearing asymmetry
Cerebellar signs
▶
Gait instability
Nystagmus
Lab Studies
Targeted labs by severity
Lab strategy
▶
Uncomplicated otitis externa or otitis media
▶
No routine labs
Reassessment if worsening
Toxic or systemic illness
▶
CBC
CRP
Blood cultures if sepsis pathway
▶
Before antibiotics if feasible
Local protocol dependent
Special populations labs
Risk based testing
▶
Diabetes mellitus with severe otalgia
▶
Serum glucose
Electrolytes and creatinine
Suspected temporal arteritis
▶
ESR
CRP
Imaging
Scoring Systems
Imaging decision aids
▶
No validated universal scoring tool for otalgia
▶
Imaging driven by red flags
Specialty input for high risk cases
Suspected temporal arteritis pathways
▶
Local protocol dependent
Tie to ESR CRP and symptoms
MRI
MRI considerations
▶
Intracranial complication concern
▶
Dural sinus thrombosis concern
Brain abscess concern
Skull base osteomyelitis concern
▶
Malignant otitis externa
Persistent pain with cranial neuropathy
CT
CT considerations
▶
CT temporal bone
▶
Suspected mastoiditis
Suspected complications of otitis media
CT neck with contrast
▶
Suspected deep neck infection
Peritonsillar or retropharyngeal abscess concern
Ultrasound
Ultrasound applications
▶
Cervical lymphadenitis assessment
▶
Abscess versus phlegmon
Guidance for drainage planning
Temporal artery ultrasound
▶
Giant cell arteritis pathway
Local protocol dependent
Special Tests
Bedside otologic tests
Bedside tests
▶
Pneumatic otoscopy
▶
Middle ear effusion assessment
Reduced mobility
Tympanometry if available
▶
Type B pattern with effusion
Limitations in acute pain
Tuning fork tests
▶
Weber lateralization
Rinne air versus bone
Microbiology and culture
Culture strategy
▶
Otitis externa refractory or severe
▶
Culture canal discharge
Consider resistant organisms
Tympanostomy tube otorrhea
▶
Culture if recurrent
Guide targeted therapy
ECG
Indications for ECG in otalgia
ECG triggers
▶
Adult with risk factors and atypical symptoms
▶
Jaw or ear pain with exertion
Diaphoresis or dyspnea
Syncope or presyncope with pain
▶
Arrhythmia screen
QT prolongation risk if antiemetics used
Assessment
Problem representation
Clinical summary anchors
▶
Otalgia laterality and duration
▶
Unilateral
Bilateral
Primary suspected source category
▶
External canal
Middle ear
Referred
Working diagnoses
Working diagnosis options
▶
Otitis externa (H60.90)
▶
Tragus tenderness
Canal edema debris
Acute otitis media (H66.90)
▶
Bulging tympanic membrane
Middle ear effusion
Referred otalgia
▶
Normal otoscopy
Dental or TMJ findings
Complications to exclude
Cannot miss complications
▶
Mastoiditis
▶
Post auricular swelling
Ear protrusion
Malignant otitis externa
▶
Diabetes or immunocompromise
Granulation tissue
Ramsay Hunt syndrome
▶
Vesicles
Facial palsy
Plan
First 5 minutes
Immediate priorities
▶
Analgesia early
▶
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen if safe
Fever or toxicity pathway
▶
Sepsis screen if indicated
IV access if unstable
Airway red flags
▶
Drooling
Stridor
Analgesia
Pain control options
▶
Acetaminophen PO
▶
Adult 1000 mg every 6 hours
Pediatric 15 mg per kg every 6 hours
Ibuprofen PO
▶
Adult 400 mg every 6 hours
Pediatric 10 mg per kg every 6 hours
Topical anesthetic drops
▶
Avoid if tympanic membrane perforation suspected
Local protocol dependent formulary
Otitis externa treatment
Otitis externa pathway
▶
Canal toilet if feasible
▶
Gentle suction or wick placement if swollen
Avoid irrigation if perforation risk
Topical antibiotic drops
▶
Ciprofloxacin otic typical option
Ofloxacin otic typical option
Systemic antibiotics
▶
Only if cellulitis beyond canal
Only if immunocompromised with severe disease
Acute otitis media treatment
Acute otitis media pathway
▶
Antibiotic indications
▶
Severe otalgia
Fever
Under 2 years with bilateral disease
First line antibiotic
▶
Amoxicillin PO adult 875 mg every 12 hours
Amoxicillin PO pediatric 45 mg per kg per dose every 12 hours
Amoxicillin clavulanate triggers
▶
Purulent conjunctivitis
Recent amoxicillin within 30 days
Observation option
▶
Mild symptoms with reliable follow up
Shared decision making
Tympanic membrane perforation and otorrhea
Perforation or tube otorrhea pathway
▶
Otic quinolone drops preferred
▶
Ofloxacin otic typical option
Ciprofloxacin otic typical option
Avoid ototoxic drops
▶
Aminoglycoside containing preparations
Alcohol containing solutions if painful
Foreign body and cerumen
Obstruction management
▶
Cerumen impaction
▶
Cerumenolytic drops if intact tympanic membrane
Manual removal if cooperative and safe
Foreign body
▶
Immediate removal if button battery
Avoid irrigation for organic material that swells
Mastoiditis and complicated infection
Complicated infection pathway
▶
Suspected mastoiditis
▶
CT temporal bone
IV antibiotics per local protocol dependent
ENT urgent consult
Suspected malignant otitis externa
▶
ESR or CRP supportive
CT or MRI skull base per local protocol dependent
Admission for IV therapy and ENT
Reassessment loop
Reassessment schedule
▶
Pain response
▶
Recheck at 30 to 60 minutes after analgesia
Escalate if persistent severe pain
Fever trajectory
▶
Repeat vitals after antipyretic
Sepsis screen if worsening
Neuro and mastoid changes
▶
Repeat cranial nerve exam if severe disease
Repeat mastoid exam if swelling suspected
Disposition
Discharge criteria
Copy
Discharge suitability
▶
Hemodynamically stable
▶
Normal perfusion
No hypotension
No red flags
▶
No mastoid swelling
No cranial neuropathy
Pain controlled
▶
Acceptable at rest
Oral intake adequate
Follow up reliable
▶
Primary care in 24 to 72 hours if not improving
Earlier if worsening
Observation or admission
Higher level of care triggers
▶
Suspected mastoiditis
▶
Admit or transfer with ENT
Imaging obtained or arranged
Suspected malignant otitis externa
▶
Admit for IV therapy
Diabetes or immunocompromise
Systemic toxicity
▶
Sepsis concern
Inability to tolerate PO
Transfer criteria
Transfer needs
▶
No ENT coverage with suspected complication
▶
Mastoiditis
Deep neck infection
Imaging unavailable with high risk features
▶
Cranial neuropathy
Altered mental status
Discharge Instructions
Copy discharge instructions
Copy
Ear pain
▶
Likely cause based on exam and tests
▶
Outer ear canal infection
Middle ear infection
Pain medicine
▶
Use acetaminophen as directed
Use ibuprofen as directed if safe
Ear drops
▶
Use exactly as prescribed
Keep ear dry during treatment
Antibiotics by mouth
▶
Take exactly as prescribed
Do not stop early unless instructed
Return to emergency care now if
▶
Worsening pain despite medicine
Fever with appearing very sick
Swelling or redness behind the ear
Ear sticking out more than usual
New facial weakness
Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Confusion
Follow up
▶
Primary care in 2 to 3 days if not improving
ENT follow up if recurrent infections or complications
References
Guidelines and key references
Reference set
▶
American Academy of Pediatrics
▶
The Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media
2013
American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation
▶
Clinical Practice Guideline Acute Otitis Externa
2014
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
▶
Otitis media acute antimicrobial prescribing
2018
Infectious Diseases Society of America
▶
Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis guideline
2012
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
▶
Antibiotic stewardship outpatient respiratory infections
Most recent version local protocol dependent
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.
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Ear Pain