What is the treatment for otitis media (middle ear infection), The middle ear is a cavity located behind the eardrum containing three tiny auditory ossicles (tiny bones) whose function is to amplify sound and transmit it from the outer ear to the inner ear. It also connects to the back of the nose and throat.
Otitis media occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection of the cavity behind the eardrum, called the middle ear. The infection can affect one ear or both ears simultaneously.
Ear infections can also cause fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Symptoms include ear pain, a feeling of pressure, hearing loss, and fever. It is common in children.
Symptoms of Otitis Media
Some signs may indicate otitis media, and the most common symptoms include:
- Severe ear pain.
- Fever and elevated temperature.
- Yellow or bloody discharge from the ear.
- Hearing problems due to fluid or pus buildup in the ear. The urge to pull or tug at the ears, especially in children.
- Loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Loss of balance.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Types of Middle Ear Infections
There are several types of middle ear infections, including:
- Chronic otitis media, which occurs as a result of prolonged middle ear problems, such as repeated acute otitis media or a perforated eardrum that has not healed.
- Secretic otitis media, which occurs after the primary ear infection has cleared, as mucus and fluid may continue to accumulate after the infection, potentially causing a feeling of blockage in the ear and difficulty hearing.
- Acute otitis media, which develops suddenly and rapidly, accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and redness in the ear.
What are the causes of middle ear infections
There are several causes of middle ear infections. Often, it results from a previous respiratory infection that spreads to the ear. When the Eustachian tube, the tube connecting the middle ear to the throat, becomes blocked, fluid accumulates behind the eardrum, allowing bacteria to grow and cause inflammation.
Other causes include colds, the flu, allergies, and upper respiratory problems such as sinusitis or a sore throat. Smoking also contributes to middle ear infections.
Treatment of Middle Ear Infections
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Most cases of middle ear infections improve on their own within a few days, especially acute cases. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe pain relievers and ear drops.
For chronic middle ear infections, the doctor will prescribe effective medication to prevent drainage from the ear and reduce recurrent infections, thus eliminating the persistent infection.
Medications for Treating Middle Ear Infections
- Viotic ear drops.
- Cephradine vials.
- Xerexomair tablets.
- Flucamox.
- Apidone syrup.
- Droiplox eye drops.
- Eginir tablets.
Ways to prevent otitis media
- Quit smoking, as smoking damages the tissues of the upper respiratory tract and reduces the body's immunity.
- Use earplugs to prevent water from entering the ears.
- Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of infection and germs.
- It is important to clean the outer ear regularly and dry it properly.
- Do not use cotton swabs to clean the ears.
- Avoid chronic or seasonal allergens to reduce mucus buildup in the nose and thus prevent ear infections.
- Get seasonal flu and pneumonia vaccines.
Complications of otitis media
Otitis media can cause some serious complications if left untreated. These complications include:
- The infection spreading to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Spread of infection to the ear bones.
- Permanent hearing loss.
- Rupture of the eardrum.
How to relieve the pain of otitis media
- Take pain relievers prescribed by your doctor.
- Apply a warm compress or cloth to the affected ear to reduce pain.
- Use analgesic ear drops.
- Sleep in positions such as sitting up or with your head elevated to reduce pressure on the ear.
- Keep your ears dry during and after showering.
- Avoid using cotton swabs in your ears.
- Inhaling steam helps drain fluids and reduce congestion.
- Chewing gum helps equalize pressure in the ear.
Article Summary
Otitis media is a common condition affecting the cavity behind the eardrum, called the middle ear. It can affect one ear, both ears simultaneously, or both ears at the same time.
It causes pressure and severe pain in the ear, and causes difficulty in hearing and fever. Therefore, the treating physician prescribes ear drops and effective painkillers to relieve the pain.