Medically reviewed by Chris Schwerdt. Last updated on December 21, 2024
General Illness Information
Common Name: Otitis Media
Medical Term: Otitis media
Description: An infection (viral or bacterial) of the lining of the middle ear. It is common in children and is usually secondary to an upper respiratory infection.
Causes:
- Viral or bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract, usually spreading to the middle ear via the eustachian tube.
- The causative micro-organism varies according to which ones are epidemic in any community at any given time.
Prevention: Treat all ear infections promptly.
Incidence is higher in households with smokers. Thus discourage smoking in the home.
Signs & Symptoms
- Persistent, severe earache;
- Hearing loss;
- Fever;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- If ear drum perforation occurs, there is a purulent discharge;
- Ear pulling or tugging in small children.
Risk Factors
- Recent illness, such as a respiratory infection, that has lowered resistance.
- Crowded or unsanitary living conditions.
- Genetic factors. Some American Indians, especially the Navajo, seem more susceptible.
- Children who had first attack before 6 months of age are more susceptible to repeated infections.
Diagnosis & Treatment
The diagnosis is made on history and examination.
General Measures:
- Treatment usually involves medication and supportive care to relieve pain.
- Application of gentle heat to the area around the ears may help to relieve pain.
- Swimming should be avoided until infection clears
- Surgery to insert plastic tubes through the eardrum to drain pus or fluid from the middle ear, or surgery to remove the adenoids.
- If the eardrum is bulging, a small cut, or myringotomy, may be made in it to relieve pressure and pain.
Medications:
- Appropriate antibiotics will be prescribed, if the physician decides the infection is caused by bacteria.
- Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, to control pain.
- A follow up visit to the doctor may be necessary to ensure that the infection has cleared.
Activity:
As tolerated. Children with otitis media usually like to rest until the infection is controlled and symptoms subside.
Diet:
No dietary restrictions.
Possible Complications :
- Mastoiditis.
- Hearing loss
- Meningitis.
- Abscess of the brain, and its coverings.
Prognosis
Excellent, with proper treatment.
Other
Nothing specified.
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