Fatores de risco modificáveis para otite média aguda: a importância de intervir-revisão integrativa.

Abstract

Acute otitis media (AOM), multifactorial disease characterized by an inflammation of the middle ear mucosa, which develops sudden way, with effusion, being accompanied by inflammatory signs and symptoms lasting up to three weeks. This paper aims to describe and evaluate the importance of modifiable risk factors. To this end, an integrative review was carried out studies of the last ten years with five relevant articles related to the topic and described modifiable risk factors for development of AOM. After critical analysis of articles, it is observed that the recognition and early intervention on modifiable risk factors, such as early entrance to nurseries, early weaning and infection of the upper airways is crucial in reducing the incidence of acute otitis media as well as its complications. However, discrepancies were also observed, suggesting the need for more studies on some risk factors for AOM, as gastroesophageal reflux and passive smoking. We conclude that the recognition of risk factors by the health team is a key part in preventing new cases of AOM and its complications. Noteworthy is also the importance of effective health intervention policies on risk factors known to be related to the OMA process.