Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

A 10-month-old previously healthy male is brought in by his mother with concern for fever and fussiness. The child continues to take nourishment and has wet diapers. On exam, he is alert, bright-eyed, and drooling with a brisk capillary refill. Rhinorrhea is noted, and breath sounds are normal. Ear exam reveals this image. 

This child has acute otitis media (AOM).

The tympanic membrane is bulging (donut-shaped) with erythema and loss of bony landmarks. An exam of the other ear reveals the same condition. The child was started on antibiotics for bilateral acute otitis media and did well. 

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

Compare the difference between middle ear effusion (MEE) and AOM.