5 min read
Otitis media can affect anyone, although children between the age of 9 months to 7 years old are particularly vulnerable to them. It was estimated that around 1 in every 4 children experience at least once by the time they reach 10 years old. Are all ear pain caused by otitis media? What are the different types of otitis media? Healthy Matters will provide you with information about the symptoms, causes and treatment of different types of otitis media.
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. There are three main parts of the ear: outer, middle and inner ear. The middle ear is the air-filled space behind the ear drums (tympanic membrane) that contain three delicate bones which transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. When the middle ear is infected, it leads to inflammation and build-up of fluid in the middle ear. It is often caused by swelling of the Eustachian tube (a thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose), nasal infection (cold, flu, sinusitis) and enlarged adenoids.
Otitis media can be categorized into three main types:
The causes of different types of otitis media include:
Symptoms of otitis media would usually develop quickly and resolve in a few days. The common symptoms include:
Since babies are unable to communicate if they are feeling unwell, it can be difficult to tell what is wrong with them. Common signs a young child may have with otitis media include:
Otitis media can be diagnosed with one or more of the following tests:
Otitis media treatment depends on age, the nature of the disease, the severity of the infection and whether the fluid remains in the middle ear for a long period.
Most middle ear infections will clear up within three to five days with simple treatment. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen would be advised to alleviate any pain or temperature. Antihistamines will help with nasal symptoms. Other home remedies such as using a warm or cold compress may help to alleviate ear pain.
Other treatment of otitis media includes:
Serious complications of otitis media are rare, but younger children are still at risk since their immune systems are still developing.
Some main complications associated with otitis media include:
Here are some ways to reduce the risk of having otitis media:
Otitis media is usually not a serious disease and may clear up within three to five days with simple treatment. However, if left untreated, serious complications may develop, although uncommon. These include ear drum perforation, mastoiditis, labyrinthitis, meningitis and brain abscess.
In acute otitis media, it is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria associated with a cold, flu or sore throat, which can then travel up the Eustachian tube and lead to infection of the middle ear. Chronic suppurative otitis media usually happens as a result of a previously poorly treated acute otitis media. Other causes such as allergy or enlarged adenoids can lead to chronic otitis media.
Common symptoms of otitis media include earache, fever, the feeling of fullness in the ear, mild or moderate hearing loss, discharge from the ear and generally feeling unwell such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!