The term "otitis media" means inflammation of the middle ear, usually due to colds or allergies. The inflammation often leads to ear infections. Otitis media is a common childhood illness that usually requires a doctor's visit.

Otitis media occurs most often among infants and young children because their inner ears are less developed and at an angle where bacteria, viruses, and other irritants can easily enter through the throat. Otitis media is often accompanied by a stuffy, runny nose. Many children get acute cases that go away within a few days after treatment with antibiotics. Some children, however, get recurring bouts of otitis media. This can lead to the build-up of middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion). Children who have recurrent or chronic otitis media with fluid build-up may experience difficulty hearing, which can lead to problems with speech and language development later on.

Symptoms

Early signs of otitis media are ear pain and discomfort. Children may have troubel sleeping, lose their appetite, or show signs of irritability. Other symptoms include hearing loss, snoring, mouth breathing, fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Causes

The most common causes of otitis media are viruses, bacteria, or allergens that enter through nose and mouth. The auditory tube or Eustachian tube that connects the nose and throat to the middle ear works by balancing the pressure surrounding the eardrum. Mucus from the nose and throat can enter the middle ear through the Eustachian tube and lead to fluid build-up, obstruction, and inflammation.

Other factors that can lead to otitis media include exposure to cigarette smoke, cold or flu (which are especially common in day care centers), bottle-feeding while lying down, and pre-existing upper respiratory conditions.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask detailed questions about your child's symptoms, previous ear infections, family history of allergies, and potential exposure to environmental allergens.

The doctor will then examine your child's ears with an otoscope, which will allows the doctor to see the eardrum and look for inflammation and fluid build-up.

Management

Early treatment and prevention of otitis media is important, because of the associated hearing loss.

If your child has recurrent otitis media due to bacterial infection, the doctor may recommend giving antibiotics as a preventive precaution. If your child's recurrent or chronic otitis media continues to be a problem, the doctor may refer you to an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist who can discuss surgical remedies like insertion of tubes in the ears or removal of the adenoid glands.

Click the icon to see an illustrated series explaining the insertion of an ear tube.

If the doctor finds that your child's symptoms are caused by allergies, he or she may refer you to an allergist who can then recommend steps to prevent symptoms, like allergen avoidance, allergy medication, or immunotherapy.