H66.007 Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, unspecified ear

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Acute Suppurative Otitis Media (ASOM) without Spontaneous Rupture of Ear Drum, Recurrent, Unspecified Ear

#### Summary
Acute suppurative otitis media is a painful infection of the middle ear characterized by fluid buildup. This recurrent condition can cause temporary hearing loss and discomfort without the ear drum rupturing.

#### Causes
Acute suppurative otitis media is primarily caused by bacterial or viral infections following a cold, flu, or respiratory infection. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, can become inflamed or blocked, trapping fluid.

#### Risk Factors
- Young age (children are more susceptible)
- Family history of ear infections
- Upper respiratory infections
- Allergies
- Smoke exposure (secondhand smoking)

#### Symptoms
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Temporary hearing loss
- Fever
- Irritability (particularly in children)

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination using an otoscope to observe the ear drum and assess fluid buildup.
- Tympanometry to evaluate ear pressure.
- Hearing tests to identify any loss or impairment.

#### Treatment Options
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
- Analgesics to relieve pain and reduce fever.
- Observation and monitoring, especially in mild cases, to determine if symptoms resolve spontaneously.
- Myringotomy or ear tube placement may be considered in recurrent cases to ventilate the middle ear.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Most cases resolve with proper treatment within a few weeks.
- Regular monitoring may be required to prevent recurrence or manage complications.
- Appropriate follow-up ensures the effectiveness of treatment and addresses any persistent symptoms.

#### Complications
- Persistent ear infections leading to more severe ear conditions or hearing loss.
- Chronic otitis media due to untreated or frequently recurring infections.
- Spread of infection to nearby tissues if not managed effectively.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoiding smoke exposure and allergens.
- Encouraging good hygiene, such as regular handwashing.
- Breastfeeding infants to bolster immunity.
- Keeping up with routine vaccinations, like the pneumococcal vaccine.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Severe ear pain or high fever that doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Symptoms persist for more than a couple of days.
- Discharge from the ear, which may indicate further complications.

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Verify laterality when details are available to ensure precise documentation.
- Differentiate between acute, chronic, and other forms of otitis media for accurate coding.
- Be attentive to any additional details in patient records that can specify the ear affected or complicating factors.

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