The diagnosis of AM is based on post auricular inflammatory signs (erythema, oedema, tenderness or fluctuance), a protruding auricle often with external auditory canal oedema and signs of AOM
Management
In adults usually as a complication of chronic suppurative otitis media or cholesteatoma and management is usually surgical
If without chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma refer to otolaryngologist or infectious disease for consideration of bone scan to exclude necrotising otitis externa
Requires IV antibiotics
Cefotaxime 50mg/kg up to 2g 8 hourly for ≥5 days or if ≥1 months old ceftriaxone 50mg/kg up to 2g IV daily for ≥5 days
Consult ENT for surgical input (aspiration and drainage, mastoidectomy)