CONDITIONS
Otitis Media
What is Otitis Media
Otitis media is an acute condition that occurs when an infection develops inside the middle ear. Usually, an ear infection clears up, but some children require antibiotics to treat the infection. Recurrent ear infections lead to hearing problems and language constraints.
What are the causes?
Otitis media occurs due to a bacterial or viral infection inside the middle ear. An ear infection may be an after-effect of other illnesses such as allergies, a cold or flu. Allergies and infections cause the throat, nasal passages and Eustachian tubes to swell. The Eustachian tubes are tiny essential channels that control ear pressure, filter air and drain fluid from the middle ear. Congestion in the Eustachian tubes causes fluid to accumulate in the middle ear.
How do children get it?
Children develop otitis media because their Eustachian tubes are short, making it easier for bacteria or viruses to infiltrate the middle ear.
What are the symptoms?
- High fever
- Ear pain
- Ear discharge
- Difficulty sleeping
- Children pulling at their ears
- Irritability
- Loss of balance
- Headache
What does a diagnosis entail?
An otoscope is a lighted tube that’s used to examine the inside of your child’s ears. The eardrum may appear red and inflamed. There may be pus fluid collection in the middle ear.
How do you treat otitis media?
Antibiotics treat a bacterial infection that causes otitis media. Pain medication such as. Paracetamol (panado,calpol) mefenamic acid ( Ponstan).Your family paediatrician may prescribe anaesthetic drops to treat pain, but only if there is no hole or tear in the eardrum.
What is the result?
Usually, otitis media goes away, but recurrent ear infections warrant the need to visit the doctor. High fever and fullness in the ears require urgent medical attention. Do not hesitate to rush your child to the doctor as a persistent ear infection may affect their hearing.
What does prevention for otitis media entail?
Breasting infants for six months reduces episodes of ear infections significantly. Reducing your child’s exposure to smoke or other toxins minimises the risk of otitis media. Also, washing hands regularly prevents the spread of bacterial or viral infections when touching the eyes, nose or ears. Staying up-to-date with flu and pneumococcal vaccinations plays a role in the prevention of otitis media.
Takeaway
Otitis media develops from a bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear. Symptoms of otitis media are earache, fever and frequent headaches. Treatments for otitis media are antibiotics to relieve bacterial infections and pain medicines, including ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Mefenamic acid.
Disclaimer
This information is for educative purposes only and is meant to be read by parents after their child has seen their medical practitioner.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Earache
High fever
Recurrent otitis media
Impaired Co-ordination imbalance with a discharging ear.
For these warning signs, seek urgent medical attention.
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What is a paediatrician?
A paediatrician is a doctor who has specialised in medical care for children from birth to their teenage years. Paediatricians diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions in children, ranging from allergies, infections and injuries to behavioural and learning problems.