Final answer:
Otitis media (D) is the inflammation of the lining of the middle ear, leading to ear pain, potential conductive hearing loss, and symptoms like fever and nausea. AOM is common in young children and is the leading reason for antibiotic prescription in this age group. It can cause symptoms including ear pain, fever, and hearing problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking for the term that describes an inflammation of the lining of the middle ear. The correct answer to this question is D) Otitis media. Acute otitis media (AOM) is an infection in the middle ear, which is particularly common in young children. AOM leads to the formation and accumulation of pus because it is unable to drain properly, resulting in moderate to severe bulging of the tympanic membrane and ear pain (otalgia). The inflammation from the infection can cause symptoms such as fever, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause conductive hearing loss, as the condition prevents efficient conduction of sound vibrations through the ossicles of the middle ear to the cochlea.
Children may exhibit behaviors such as tugging at their ears or showing increased distress due to the pain. Otitis media is a treatable condition but must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. It is often treated with antibiotics due to its bacterial nature, but in some cases, other interventions may be required, especially if complications arise, such as the chronic buildup of fluid which may lead to pressure build-up and potential damage to the ear structure