MIMS Education
Ear Pain: Diagnostic and Management Approach for the Primary Care Physician
No CME/CPD credits | 
1 hour | 
06 Oct 2024
Overview
About this course
Otalgia or ear pain is a common reason for primary care consultation. Differentiating primary from secondary otalgia based on a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and evaluation, is crucial in the overall management of patients presenting with ear pain. Primary otalgia is often caused by ear infections, such as otitis media and chronic suppurative otitis media; while secondary or referred otalgia may be due to other causes external to the ear structures. Treatment of primary otalgia is influenced by various factors such as age and structural abnormalities. A suspicion for a secondary cause should prompt a timely referral to a specialist.
This e-learning module aims to differentiate primary from secondary otalgia and discuss its diagnostic and management approach.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Differentiate primary from secondary otalgia
- Conduct the appropriate history, physical examination, and evaluation of otalgia
- Discuss the differential diagnosis for primary otalgia
- Determine the appropriate interventions for otalgia
Topics covered
- Introduction
- Classification of otalgia
- Approach to otalgia
- Differentials of otalgia
- Treatment options for primary otalgia
- When to refer to a specialist
Keywords: otalgia, ear pain, primary otalgia, secondary otalgia, referred otalgia, ear infections, otitis media, chronic suppurative otitis media