Emma Ryan Case Study – Otitis Media

Techniques in the Article that can be Used to Improve My Clinical Skills

Rationale for the Top Three Differential Diagnoses for Emma (URI, Otis Media, and

Pharyngitis)

The three differential diagnoses for two-year-old Emma are upper respiratory infection
(URI), Otis media, and pharyngitis. URI is a viral disease that commonly affects parts of the
upper respiratory tract, such as the sinuses, the throat, and the nose. Common clinical
manifestations for URI include nasal congestion, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, nasal
congestion, sneezing, low-grade fever, and fascial pressure. For the patient, the presence of a
runny nose, cough, and nasal congestion supports the diagnosis of a URI. The absence of other
specific findings, such as severe bulging of the tympanic membranes or significant throat
inflammation, suggests that the symptoms are primarily due to a viral infection. The negative
result on the rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) also helps rule out influenza, which is a
specific viral infection.
On the other hand, Otitis media refers to an infection or inflammation of the middle ear,
often following a URI. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, and sometimes a decreased appetite.
The physical examination findings of severe bulging of the tympanic membranes, along with the
history of a URI, support the diagnosis of otitis media. For the patient, the severe bulging of the
tympanic membranes, along with the immobility observed during pneumatic otoscopy, are
consistent with the diagnosis of otitis media. These findings, in addition to the presence of
symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, and decreased appetite, help rule in otitis media as
the cause of her symptoms.

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How the Information Learned from the Patient and the Evidence-based Article can be

Applied

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References

Drochioi, A.-S., Iorga, M., Corlade-Andrei, M., Pitorac, E.-M., & Anton-Păduraru, D.-T. (2017).
Otitis media in children-risk factors and complications. Jurnalul Pediatrului, 20(79–80),
27–32.