OTITIS MEDIA
What is a Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)?
Otitis media, also known as a middle ear infection, is a condition where the middle ear becomes inflamed due to an accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum. It’s a common ailment among infants between six and 15 months old, with around one in four children experiencing at least one episode by their tenth birthday.
Middle Ear Infection Symptoms
The symptoms of otitis media typically arise quickly and subside within a few days, characterizing it as acute otitis media. The primary symptoms include ear pain, fever, vomiting, lethargy, and minor hearing loss if the middle ear fills up with fluid. In certain cases, the eardrum may develop a perforation leading to pus discharge from the ear. The resultant earache, caused by fluid build-up stretching the eardrum, then subsides.
Treatment
In most instances, ear infections resolve themselves within three to five days without any specific treatment. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be administered to alleviate pain and fever if required. Ensure that any painkillers given to children are suitable for their age. Antibiotics are not commonly used to treat middle ear infections, but they might be prescribed if symptoms persist or become extremely severe.
What Causes Middle Ear Infections?
Middle ear infections predominantly occur when an infection like a cold results in mucus build-up in the middle ear, causing the Eustachian tube (a thin conduit running from the middle ear to the back of the nose) to swell or get blocked. This blockage prevents proper mucus drainage, facilitating infection spread into the middle ear. An enlarged adenoid (soft tissue located at the back of the throat) can also obstruct the Eustachian tube. If it leads to recurring or persistent ear infections, the adenoid may need to be removed.