A 3-year-old boy is brought to a remote Aboriginal community clinic with a 2-week history of ear discharge and hearing difficulty. Examination shows a...

Question

A 3-year-old boy is brought to a remote Aboriginal community clinic with a 2-week history of ear discharge and hearing difficulty. Examination shows a perforated tympanic membrane with purulent discharge consistent with chronic suppurative otitis media. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Topical ciprofloxacin ear drops and aural toilet

Answer

Reassure and review in 3 months

Answer

Oral amoxicillin for 5 days only

Answer

Immediate referral to tertiary ENT without local treatment

Answer

Systemic steroids

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Chronic suppurative otitis media