Final answer:
Severe pain in acute otitis media does not necessarily signify a perforation of the tympanic membrane; it could be due to pressure from pus buildup. A perforation may actually relieve pain due to pressure release. AOM is characterized by symptoms including ear pain, fever, and in severe cases, gastrointestinal symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that severe pain associated with acute otitis media (AOM) signifies perforation of the tympanic membrane (TM) is false. AOM is an infection of the middle ear that is most common in young children and characterized by symptoms such as ear pain (otalgia), fever, and in severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe pain can be due to the pressure from the buildup of pus in the middle ear putting strain on the TM, but it does not necessarily mean there has been a perforation. If a perforation does occur, it may actually result in a sudden relief of pain due to the release of pressure.
It is important to note that AOM leads to moderate to severe bulging of the TM due to the accumulation of pus which cannot drain properly. The bulging is a response to the infection and inflammation within the middle ear. Providing proper medical treatment to children with AOM is crucial, as it is a leading cause for pediatric visits and antibiotic prescription in the United States among children younger than five years of age.