RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Fifteen-minute consultation: A structured approach to the assessment of a child with earache
JF Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition
JO Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
SP edpract-2021-322697
DO 10.1136/archdischild-2021-322697
A1 Halliday, Edwin
A1 Wooles, Nicola
A1 Grainger, Joe
YR 2021
UL http://ep.bmj.com/content/early/2021/09/26/archdischild-2021-322697.abstract
AB Earache, or otalgia, in children is common. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the range of causes. Assessment involves a thorough history and examination. Identification of associated otological symptoms, including discharge, hearing loss, vertigo and facial nerve weakness, is helpful and can aid diagnosis. Examination should involve looking at the external ear, otoscopy to assess the ear canal and tympanic membrane and documentation of facial nerve function. If otological examination is normal, further examination looking for non-otological causes may be guided by the history. Investigations are often unnecessary but may include blood tests, audiology and imaging. Most otalgia is caused by an acute infection, which is self-limiting and can be managed in the community. However, ear, nose and throat (ENT) advice and input may be required for systemically unwell children or those who fail to improve despite appropriate medical therapy.