26th April 2024

A 3-year-old child is brought to the clinic by his parents who report that he has been irritable and pulling at his left ear for the past two days.

A 3-year-old child is brought to the clinic by his parents who report that he has been irritable and pulling at his left ear for the past two days. They also note a fever of 38.5°C. The child has had a runny nose and a mild cough for the past week. On examination, the left tympanic membrane appears red and bulging with decreased mobility.

Which is the most likely diagnosis?