Master Otitis Media Interventions with Picmonic for Medicine

Analgesics, such as ibuprofen, are recommended to relieve fever and earache in patients with an ear infection.

If antibiotics are necessary, amoxicillin is the drug of choice for treating patients with otitis media. Screen for medication allergies prior to prescribing or administering amoxicillin.

Patients diagnosed with otitis media with effusion may undergo irrigation of the affected ear(s) to remove mucoid or purulent drainage.

After irrigation of the ear is complete, the patient should be positioned on the affected side to facilitate drainage.

During a myringotomy, an incision is made in the eardrum to relieve pressure or fluid buildup in the middle ear. If several of these procedures are performed, a myringoplasty may be needed to repair the tympanic membrane.

In patients with chronic or recurrent otitis media, these tubes are inserted into the eardrum to prevent buildup of fluid in the middle ear. While a tympanostomy tube is in place, patients should avoid activities that could allow water to enter the ear, such as swimming.