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Otitis media is a medical term that denotes middle ear infection. It can cause inflammation and fluid build-up. It can be a very common problem, especially in kids. Many kids have to face otitis media at least once by age three. In this blog, we will talk about.
Synopsis
What Are the Symptoms of Otitis Media?
Recognising the symptoms of otitis media is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms can vary depending on the severity and type of the infection. Some common symptoms include:
In young children, other symptoms may include rubbing or pulling their ears, not reacting to some sounds, irritability or restlessness, and loss of appetite.
When to Visit a Specialist?
Otitis media usually goes away on its own within a week to five days, but you should speak to an experienced ENT specialist in Mysuru doctor if:
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Symptoms don't improve within 2–3 days
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You or your child has regular ear infections
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You or your child has a lot of pain
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You or your child has a discharge of pus or fluid from the ear
Types of Otitis Media
There are two main types of Otitis Media: Acute and Chronic. Acute is when the infection happens suddenly, and chronic means that the infection, be it with or without symptoms, persists for a long time. The chronic otitis media is further subdivided into two categories. All the types are explained below:
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Acute Otitis Media (AOM): Fluid build-up with inflammation in the middle ear that starts suddenly and produces pain and fever is called an acute onset.
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Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): Clear fluid in the middle ear but no inflammation, no symptoms. This type develops commonly after an acute ear infection has healed, but there is fluid, which stays behind.
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Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion (COME): Non-infected accumulation of fluid in the middle ear that causes hearing-impairment in children and can also impact their speech and language patterns.
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Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM): The infection persists for so long that it leads to rupture of the eardrum. There is pus or watery discharge from the ear. There can be hearing impairment as well. This type usually needs more aggressive management and follow-up.
Causes of Otitis Media
Environmental factors like tobacco smoke and air pollution can be the major risk factors that need to be prevented. Some common major causes include:
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Bacterial Infections
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Allergies can cause inflammation and accumulation of fluid in the middle ear.
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Colds and Sinus Infections can also contribute to the swelling and blockage of Eustachian tubes and thus promote the development of infection.
Treatment Methods for Otitis Media
In general, the approach ENT specialists use in cases of mild signs of OM in older children and adults is the wait-and-watch approach. The infection usually heals itself in a week or two, and the treatment includes.
Medications
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Pain relief: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen
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Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections
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Anaesthetic ear drops: For pain relief
Surgical Options (For Severe Cases)
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Myringotomy: A small incision in the eardrum to drain the fluid and relieve pressure.
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Ear Tubes (Tympanostomy Tubes): Inserted to drain excess fluid & prevent future infections.
Home Remedies & Prevention
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Apply a warm compress to relieve ear pain.
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Keep ears dry to prevent infections.
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Encouraging breastfeeding in infants - as the sucking and swallowing action helps the development of the oral cavity and eustachian tube, prevents bacterial colonization in the eustachian tubes, and boosts immunity against infections.
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Consult your healthcare provider for pneumococcal and flu vaccines as these help in lowering the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Early diagnosis of otitis media prevents complications like chronic infections, hearing loss, and speech delays in children. If you or your child experience ear pain, fluid discharge, or persistent infections, consult an ENT specialist immediately. Don’t ignore your symptoms—seek expert advice today!
FAQ's
Potential complications include hearing loss, speech or developmental delays in children, and in severe cases, the spread of infection to nearby tissues.
Acute Otitis Media typically lasts a few days to a week. Chronic types, like COME and CSOM, can persist for weeks or months and may require long-term management.
While most cases do not cause permanent hearing loss, recurrent or severe infections, especially untreated CSOM, can lead to long-term hearing issues.
Acute otitis media (AOM) is a sudden infection with pain and fever, while chronic otitis media (COME/CSOM) is a long-lasting condition that may cause persistent fluid build-up and hearing issues.
While otitis media is more common in children, adults can also develop it, especially due to sinus infections, smoking, or immune issues.
Yes, mild cases of acute otitis media can clear up on their own. However, severe or persistent cases may require antibiotics to prevent complications.
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