Otalgia physical examination
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Otalgia Microchapters |
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Otalgia physical examination On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S [2]
Overview
Otalgia is one of the leading complaints in the pediatric age group. Otitis media, Otitis externa, Ear trauma are among the leading causes of ear pain. When the ear is the source of the pain (primary otalgia), the ear examination is usually abnormal. When the ear is not the source of the pain (secondary otalgia), the ear examination is typically normal.
Physical examination
The physical examination should include an exhaustive otologic, neuro-otologic, head, and neck examination. Mandatory examinations should include:
- Rhinoscopy
- Nasopharyngoscopy
- Indirect Laryngoscopy
Sinuses should be evaluated for any Sinusitis. Palpation of the neck is important to look for thyroid disease, adenopathy, and musculoskeletal disorders. Some studies have shown a well known association of ear pain and malignant upper aerodigestive tract tumors. SO in case of failure to establish an accurate diagnosis a tumor should be suspected and work-up for it should be started.