Why do we get otitis media

Otitis media can occur as a result of a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection. More than 80 percent of children have at least one episode of otitis media by the time they are 3 years of age.

Otitis media can also affect adults, although it is primarily a condition that occurs in children. While any child may develop an ear infection, the following are some of the factors that may increase your child's risk of developing ear infections:.

Middle ear infections are usually a result of a malfunction of the eustachian tube, a canal that links the middle ear with the throat area. The eustachian tube helps to equalize the pressure between the outer ear and the middle ear. When this tube is not working properly, it prevents normal drainage of fluid from the middle ear, causing a build up of fluid behind the eardrum.

When this fluid cannot drain, it allows for the growth of bacteria and viruses in the ear that can lead to acute otitis media. The following are some of the reasons that the eustachian tube may not work properly:.

A cold or allergy which can lead to swelling and congestion of the lining of the nose, throat, and eustachian tube this swelling prevents the normal flow of fluids. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Next: Dermoscopy for the Family Physician. Oct 1, Issue.

Otitis Media: Diagnosis and Treatment. This is a corrected version of the article that appeared in print. Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations. C 8 Middle ear effusion can be detected with the combined use of otoscopy, pneumatic otoscopy, and tympanometry. C 9 Adequate analgesia is recommended for all children with AOM. C 8 , 15 Deferring antibiotic therapy for lower-risk children with AOM should be considered.

C 19 , 20 , 23 High-dose amoxicillin 80 to 90 mg per kg per day in two divided doses is the first choice for initial antibiotic therapy in children with AOM.

C 8 , 10 Children with middle ear effusion and anatomic damage or evidence of hearing loss or language delay should be referred to an otolaryngologist.

Enlarge Print Table 1. Risk Factors for Acute Otitis Media Age younger Allergies Craniofacial abnormalities Exposure to environmental smoke or other respiratory irritants Exposure to group day care Family history of recurrent acute otitis media Gastroesophageal reflux Immunodeficiency No breastfeeding Pacifier use Upper respiratory tract infections Information from references 8 and 9. Table 1. Enlarge Print Figure 1. Figure 1. Enlarge Print Table 2. Treatment Strategy for Acute Otitis Media Initial presentation Diagnosis established by physical examination findings and presence of symptoms Treat pain Children six months or older with otorrhea or severe signs or symptoms moderate or severe otalgia, otalgia for at least 48 hours, or temperature of Table 2.

Enlarge Print Table 3. Table 3. Enlarge Print Table 4. Strategies for Preventing Recurrent Otitis Media Check for undiagnosed allergies leading to chronic rhinorrhea Eliminate bottle propping and pacifiers 34 Eliminate exposure to passive smoke 35 Routinely immunize with the pneumococcal conjugate and influenza vaccines 36 Use xylitol gum in appropriate children two pieces, five times a day after meals and chewed for at least five minutes 37 Information from references 34 through Table 4.

Enlarge Print Table 5. Diagnosis and Treatment of Otitis Media with Effusion Evaluate tympanic membranes at every well-child and sick visit if feasible; perform pneumatic otoscopy or tympanometry when possible consider removing cerumen If transient effusion is likely, reevaluate at three-month intervals, including screening for language delay; if there is no anatomic damage or evidence of developmental or behavioral complications, continue to observe at three- to six-month intervals; if complications are suspected, refer to an otolaryngologist For effusion that appears to be associated with anatomic damage, such as adhesive otitis media or retraction pockets, reevaluate in four to six weeks; if abnormality persists, refer to an otolaryngologist Antibiotics, decongestants, and nasal steroids are not indicated Information from reference Table 5.

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Purchase Access: See My Options close. Best Value! To see the full article, log in or purchase access. More in Pubmed Citation Related Articles. Email Alerts Don't miss a single issue. Sign up for the free AFP email table of contents. Navigate this Article. Adequate analgesia is recommended for all children with AOM. Craniofacial abnormalities. Exposure to environmental smoke or other respiratory irritants. Exposure to group day care. Family history of recurrent acute otitis media.

Gastroesophageal reflux. Upper respiratory tract infections. Initial presentation. Persistent symptoms 48 to 72 hours. Repeat ear examination for signs of otitis media. If otitis media is present, initiate or change antibiotic therapy. If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Search Encyclopedia.

What causes middle ear infections? What are the symptoms of a middle ear infection? These are the most common symptoms of middle ear infections in adults: Ear pain Feeling of fullness in the ear Fluid draining from the ear Fever Hearing loss These symptoms may look like other conditions or health problems.

How is a middle ear infection diagnosed? How is a middle ear infection treated? Treatment may include: Antibiotics Pain relievers Placing small tubes in the eardrum for chronic ear infections What are possible complications of a middle ear infection?

Untreated ear infections can lead to: Infection in other parts of the head Lasting permanent hearing loss Speech and language problems Can middle ear infections be prevented?

So can living in a home where vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine, are used Key points about middle ear infections Middle ear infections can affect both children and adults. Pain and fever can be the most common symptoms. Without treatment, permanent hearing loss may happen. The type of otitis affects treatment options. Not all kinds need to be treated with antibiotics. Because most ear infections can clear on their own, many doctors take a "wait-and-see" approach.

Kids will get medicine for pain relief without antibiotics for a few days to see if the infection gets better. Also, overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are much harder to treat.

If a doctor does prescribe antibiotics, a day course is usually recommended. Kids age 6 and older who don't have a severe infection might take a shortened course for 5 to 7 days.

Some children, such as those with recurrent infections and those with lasting hearing loss or speech delay , may need ear tube surgery. An ear, nose, and throat doctor will surgically insert tubes called tympanostomy tubes that let fluid drain from the middle ear. This helps equalize the pressure in the ear. Antibiotics can be the right treatment for kids who get a lot of ear infections. Their doctors might prescribe daily antibiotics to help prevent future infections. And younger children or those with more severe illness may need antibiotics right from the start.

The "wait-and-see" approach also might not apply to children with other concerns, such as cleft palate, genetic conditions such as Down syndrome , or other illnesses such as immune system disorders. With or without antibiotic treatment, you can help to ease discomfort by giving your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever as needed. Your doctor also may recommend using pain-relieving ear drops as long as the eardrum isn't ruptured.

Fluid buildup in the middle ear also blocks sound, which can lead to temporary hearing problems. Kids having a problem might:.