Overview
Middle ear infection, or otitis media, is a common condition that involves inflammation and infection of the middle ear. This type of infection is particularly prevalent in young children but can also affect adults.
Symptoms:
- Ear pain, which may be severe and worsen at night
- Hearing difficulties
- Fluid drainage from the ear
- Fever
- Irritability and difficulty sleeping in children
- Tugging or pulling at the ear
- Balance problems
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
Causes:
Middle ear infections are often caused by bacterial or viral infections that lead to the accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum. Common pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and respiratory viruses. Factors contributing to middle ear infections include:
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Colds and sinus infections can cause inflammation and blockage of the eustachian tubes.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to eustachian tube dysfunction.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Blockage or dysfunction of the eustachian tubes prevents proper drainage of fluids from the middle ear.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to smoke and high levels of air pollution can increase the risk.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, including the use of an otoscope to look inside the ear for signs of infection and fluid buildup. Additional tests may include:
- Tympanometry: Measures the movement of the eardrum in response to air pressure changes, indicating fluid in the middle ear.
- Audiometry: Tests hearing to determine the extent of hearing loss.
Treatment:
- Observation: Mild cases of acute otitis media may resolve on their own within a few days. Observation is often recommended for 48 to 72 hours in children over six months.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections, especially in severe cases or when symptoms persist. Common antibiotics include amoxicillin.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever.
- Surgical Intervention: In cases of chronic otitis media or recurrent infections, procedures like myringotomy (inserting a tube into the eardrum) may be recommended to drain fluid and prevent future infections.
Complications:
If left untreated, middle ear infections can lead to serious complications such as:
- Hearing loss
- Perforation of the eardrum
- Mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone)
- Meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain)
- Cholesteatoma (abnormal skin growth in the middle ear)
Prevention:
- Vaccination: Immunizations, such as the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines, can reduce the risk of infections that may lead to middle ear infections.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding for at least six months can help reduce the risk of ear infections in infants.
- Avoiding Smoke Exposure: Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants can lower the risk of middle ear infections.
