Acute Otitis Media in Aged 16 years and Above in Lagos

Abstract

Acute otitis media though a childhood disease, when it occurs de-novo in adult is viewed with seriousness. This prospective study was undertaken in Lagos University Teaching Hospital and General Hospital Lagos between January 2000 and March 2001 with the aim of recording that acute otitis media can occur de-novo in adults without any antecedent or dangerous course.
A total of 83 patients were seen with AOM, with peak age group of occurrence in 20-29yrs. 75% were in middle social class and 77% reported the disease as first attack and 86% presented three days after the attack. 52% had associated Rhinitis and tonsillopharyngitis and self medication was reported in 50% of the patients.
Following medical and surgical intervention majority of the AOM resolved and none of the patients evaluated had features of nasopharyngeal tumour.


NQJHM Vol. 14 (1) 2004: pp. 61-63