Authors:
Wiertsema, S. P, Leach A.J
Authors notes:
Med. J. Aust: 2009 Nov;191(9): S50-S54
Keywords:
Theories of otitis media pathogenesis, with a focus on Indigenous children
Abstract:
Otitis media is a common childhood illness associated with hearing loss, social disadvantage and medical costs. Prevalence and severity are high among Indigenous children. Respiratory bacterial and viral pathogens ascend the eustachian tube from the nasopharynx to the middle ear, causing inflammation, fluid accumulation, and bulging of the tympanic membrane, with or without pain.