This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: What is the sequence of events that result in otitis media with ... (Read 33 times)

kwoodring

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 560
What is the sequence of events that result in otitis media with effusion?

Question 2

What causes otitis externa, and why is it so painful?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

makaylafy

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 347
Answer to Question 1

Otitis media is also referred to as serous (secretory) otitis media. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear cavity. The Eustachian tube (also called the auditory tube or pharyngotympanic tube) ceases to function normally. Because the Eustachian tube is responsible for aerating the middle ear, the middle ear space becomes anaerobic as tissues absorb the available oxygen. At the same time, dysfunction of the Eustachian tube may impede the equalization of pressure between the middle ear space and the environment.

In either case, a relatively negative pressure may develop in the middle ear tissues, which is called transudation. In addition, this negative air pressure can also cause drainage of mucus from the middle ear tissue. This state, termed middle ear effusion, interferes with sound transmission, which in turn, reduces the movement of the tympanic membrane.

Answer to Question 2

Otitis externa is defined as inflammation of the skin of the external ear. The causes of otitis externa include:

 Bacterial infection following trauma or abrasion
 Failure to thoroughly clean probe tips and specula, causing infection to be transmitted from client to client
 Viral infection, including infection with herpes zoster virus
Inflammation of tissue causes edema or swelling. When the epithelium is tightly bound to its underlying structure, as it is in the external auditory meatus (EAM) and pinna, severe pain results. Intense pain is caused by the increased tension on the epithelium. Otitis externa may not only cause pain, but can result in facial paralysis or hearing loss due to the involvement of the facial or vestibulocochlear nerves.



kwoodring

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 560

makaylafy

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 347
Great! Please up vote :D



 

Did you know?

The top five reasons that children stay home from school are as follows: colds, stomach flu (gastroenteritis), ear infection (otitis media), pink eye (conjunctivitis), and sore throat.

Did you know?

Malaria was not eliminated in the United States until 1951. The term eliminated means that no new cases arise in a country for 3 years.

Did you know?

Blastomycosis is often misdiagnosed, resulting in tragic outcomes. It is caused by a fungus living in moist soil, in wooded areas of the United States and Canada. If inhaled, the fungus can cause mild breathing problems that may worsen and cause serious illness and even death.

Did you know?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, more than 50 million Americans have some kind of food allergy. Food allergies affect between 4 and 6% of children, and 4% of adults, according to the CDC. The most common food allergies include shellfish, peanuts, walnuts, fish, eggs, milk, and soy.

Did you know?

Anti-aging claims should not ever be believed. There is no supplement, medication, or any other substance that has been proven to slow or stop the aging process.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library