In this section
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is a common problem in early childhood
Causes of acute otitis media are often multifactorial. Exposure to cigarette smoke from household contacts is a known modifiable risk factor
Red flag features in red
Otoscopic Images of Tympanic Membranes (TM):
Normal Tympanic Membrane
Injected Tympanic Membrane
Bulging and red tympanic membrane in AOM
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) “glue ear”
Perforated Tympanic Membrane with otorrhoea
Otitis Externa
In Infants, especially <6 months old, the diagnosis of AOM and OME can be inaccurate. Other diagnoses should be fully considered (see Febrile child)
Tympanic membrane perforation
Acute Mastoiditis (AM) Acute mastoiditis, although rare, is the most common suppurative complication of AOM and may be associated with intracranial complications
Acute mastoiditis
Other complications
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)
Children requiring care beyond the level of comfort of the local hospital
For emergency advice and paediatric or neonatal ICU transfers, see
No signs of complications
Ear Infections and Glue Ear
Last Updated November 2020
Photos (in order of appearance)