Middle Ear Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, is a common childhood illness that causes pain, fever, and hearing loss. It occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum.

Causes

Otitis media is most commonly caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Viruses, such as the common cold virus, can also cause otitis media.

Risk factors for otitis media include:

• Being younger than 2 years old
• Attending daycare or preschool
• Having a family history of otitis media
• Having a cleft palate or other congenital abnormality that affects the Eustachian tube
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Allergies
• Weakened immune system

Symptoms

The symptoms of otitis media can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:

• Ear pain
• Fever
• Irritability
• Fussiness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Decreased appetite
• Hearing loss
• Fluid draining from the ear

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose otitis media by examining your ear and asking about your symptoms. He or she may also use a pneumatic otoscope to check for fluid behind the eardrum. In some cases, your doctor may order a hearing test to assess hearing loss.

Treatment

The treatment for otitis media depends on the severity of the infection. Mild cases may be treated with pain relievers and antibiotics. Severe cases may require surgery to drain the fluid from the middle ear.

Pain relievers

Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve ear pain.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial otitis media. Common antibiotics used to treat otitis media include amoxicillin, penicillin, and erythromycin.

Surgery

Surgery is rarely necessary to treat otitis media. However, it may be necessary if the infection is severe or if it does not respond to antibiotics. Surgery involves making a small incision in the eardrum to drain the fluid.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent otitis media, including:

• Vaccinating your child against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. These vaccines can help to protect your child from the bacteria that most commonly cause otitis media.
• Encouraging your child to wash their hands frequently. This can help to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
• Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke can irritate the Eustachian tube and make it more likely for fluid to accumulate in the middle ear.
• Treating allergies. Allergies can cause inflammation of the Eustachian tube, which can lead to otitis media.

Complications

Otitis media can lead to a number of complications, including:

• Hearing loss. Otitis media can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
• Mastoiditis. Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear.
• Meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
• Sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that can occur when bacteria from otitis media enter the bloodstream.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor if your child has any of the symptoms of otitis media. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications.

Conclusion

Otitis media is a common childhood illness that can cause pain, fever, and hearing loss. It is important to see your doctor if your child has any of the symptoms of otitis media. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications.