What is otitis media and how is it treated?

Ear health is an important part of our overall health and a variety of conditions can affect this sensitive organ. One of them is otitis media. Otitis media is a common ear infection, especially in children, but can also affect adults. This inflammation, which occurs in the middle ear area behind the eardrum, manifests with ear pain, hearing loss, and other symptoms.

It is important to understand what this condition is in order to learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of inflammation, to protect the health of the ear and to make the right intervention if necessary. Here are the basics about otitis media and the key points about this common condition.

What is Middle Ear Infection?

Otitis media is a common ear infection which is medically referred to as otitis media. The middle ear is an air-filled cavity behind the eardrum. This area contains important structures that are connected to the auditory bones and ensure proper functioning of hearing function.

Otitis media is usually caused by upper respiratory tract infections. It is a common condition, especially in children, but it can also occur in adults. Inflammation is usually caused by a virus or bacteria that travels through the ear canal and causes fluid to build up in the middle ear.

Symptoms of otitis media may include ear pain, hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, ear discharge, fever, and fatigue. In children, symptoms such as trouble sleeping, restlessness and loss of appetite are more common. If otitis media is diagnosed, treatment usually includes the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to control infections and reduce inflammation.

There are some risk factors for otitis media. These include frequent upper respiratory infections, exposure to cigarette smoke, an inadequate immune system, and the use of pacifiers. In addition, the risk of spreading the infection increases if children go to kindergarten or school in winter.

What Causes Middle Ear Infection?

As a result of infection, middle ear infections can occur due to microbes and bacteria, as well as in people with a family history of otitis media and in people who are in an environment with intense cigarette smoke.

Middle ear infection observed in 3 main types; acute otitis media, chronic otitis media and middle ear fever.

1. Acute middle ear infection

Acute otitis media that develops suddenly is a type that resolves within 3-4 days. It is caused by diseases caused by infections such as cold, flu and sore throat, because the immune system of children and babies is not strong enough.

Inflammation caused by infection can cause pus and bleeding. In some cases, the eardrum can be damaged or even ruptured by the pressure created. However, the eardrum renews itself.

Symptoms such as fever, severe ear pain, nausea, and hearing loss are seen in acute otitis media just like other types.

2. Chronic middle ear infection

Unlike acute otitis media, it is a type that takes a long time to heal and can recur. The eardrum, which is damaged due to infection, does not renew itself, or as a result of a blow, the eardrum is more susceptible to otitis media.

Compared to acute otitis media, it is a type of otitis media that causes less pain and takes longer to heal. In addition to damage to the eardrum, it can also arise from excessive tissue production in the middle ear.

3. Middle ear fever

It occurs when the Eustachian tube is blocked due to infection, allergy, or enlargement of the lymph nodes. The sticky fluid in the ear accumulates in the middle ear and causes hearing loss.

The short and horizontal Eustachian tube in children increases the risk of middle ear fever. Especially in children with an allergic predisposition, the risk of middle ear fever is greater. Middle ear fever in children can be more difficult to understand.

Middle ear fever, which manifests itself in hearing loss, can occur in ways that children sometimes fail to notice. In case of the slightest doubt, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of Middle Ear Infection?

Otitis media is an infectious condition that affects the health of the ear. This infection occurs because the accumulated fluid in the middle ear becomes infected. While otitis media is most commonly seen in children, it can also affect adults. Inflammation is usually caused by upper respiratory infections and manifests itself with certain symptoms.

Here are the most common symptoms of otitis media:

Earache

Middle ear infection is the most common symptom. Ear pain often comes on suddenly and severely. Ear pain in children is sometimes difficult to express, which can cause children to become restless and cry.

hearing loss

Otitis media can affect hearing function. Hearing loss can occur as a result of fluid buildup. This hearing loss is usually temporary and may improve after the infection is treated.

Sensation of fullness in the ear

People with otitis media may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. A slight feeling of tightness, tightness, or fullness in the ear may be normal.

ear discharge

In some cases, ear discharge can be seen in people with otitis media. This discharge is usually yellow or green in color and can be foul-smelling.

Firework

As a result of a middle ear infection, the person may have a fever. The fever is usually mild or moderately elevated.

General fatigue and anorexia

People with otitis media may experience symptoms such as general weakness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. These symptoms may be more common, especially in children.

The symptoms of otitis media can vary from person to person. Some people may have milder symptoms, while others may be more severe. When suspecting a middle ear infection, it is important to consult an ENT specialist. The specialist conducts the necessary examinations to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

How is a middle ear infection diagnosed?

There are some obvious symptoms of otitis media. If symptoms such as high fever, ear pain, dizziness, nausea, decreased hearing, balance problems, itching in the ear, swelling are observed, you may have otitis media.

What should be done for otitis media?

You can use doctor-recommended pain relievers to relieve otitis media. You can also apply a hot press to the ear to relieve the pain, clean the ear discharge with cotton wool, and remove the fluid by using antibiotics.

How to treat otitis media at home?

Garlic is the most natural and most powerful antibiotic. Onion is a food that is just as effective as garlic. It can cure ear infection in a short time. You can also use apple cider vinegar by massaging around the ear, relieve the pain and relax.

Will otitis media go away on its own?

Middle ear infection sometimes passes on its own, sometimes it does not go away, but turns into a disease that can cause serious problems. Under normal circumstances, otitis media resolves spontaneously within 1 to 2 weeks.

What is Middle Ear Infection?

In otitis media, antibiotics succeed in treatment. You can eliminate otitis media in a short time by taking antibiotics. Sprays can also be added to the treatment to reduce swelling and itching.

What Causes Otitis Media?

If left untreated, a middle ear infection can lead to more severe hearing loss. It can also severely damage the eardrum and cause permanent damage. If permanent damage occurs, permanent hearing loss occurs.

Can otitis media go away without antibiotics?

It is important to use antibiotics for ear infections. If antibiotics are not used in adults, it is difficult to succeed. Antibiotics are not used for every middle ear infection. To be allowed to use antibiotics, certain conditions must be met. If a middle ear infection occurs in a child older than 2 years, antibiotics are not used for more than 90%.

Does otitis media cause tinnitus?

As a result of otitis media, fluid collects in the ear and otitis media, which occurs when the fluid remains in the ear, causes tinnitus. It is normal to have tinnitus with otitis media.