Anatomy of an Ear Infection

Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, MS, DO on January 11, 2022

It’s not your imagination. Kids can get a lot of ear infections. In fact, 5 out of 6 children will have at least one by their third birthday. Why? Their immune systems are immature, and their little ears don’t drain as well as adults’ ears do.

It’s an infection in the outer ear that usually happens when the ear stays wet long enough to breed germs. But even if your kid hasn’t been swimming, a scratch from something like a cotton swab (or who knows what they stick in there?) can cause trouble. Watch out if your child’s ear gets itchy or hurts when you touch it. The answer is usually medicated drops and keeping ears dry.

The only way to know for sure if your child has one is for a doctor to look inside her ear with a tool called an otoscope, a tiny flashlight with a magnifying lens. A healthy eardrum (shown here) looks sort of clear and pinkish-gray. An infected one looks red and swollen.

The Eustachian tube is a canal that connects your middle ear to your throat. It keeps fluid and air pressure from building up inside your ear. Colds, the flu, and allergies can irritate it and make it swell up.

If the Eustachian tube gets blocked, fluid builds up inside your child’s middle ear. This makes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that cause infections. Your doctor may look inside your child’s ear with an otoscope, which can blow a puff of air to make his eardrum vibrate. If it doesn’t move as much as it should, chances are there’s fluid inside.

If too much fluid or pressure builds up inside the middle ear, the eardrum can actually burst (shown here). If that happens, you may see yellow, brown, or white fluid draining from your child’s ear. It sounds scary, but the eardrum usually heals itself in a couple of weeks. Hearing usually returns to normal once the eardrum heals –unless the eardrum has been damaged.

The main warning sign is sharp pain. Your child may be more uncomfortable lying down, so he might have a hard time sleeping. Other problems to look for:

• Trouble hearing
• Fever
• Fluid oozing from ears
• Dizziness
• Stuffy nose

These infections can be sneaky with babies or children who are too young to tell you what hurts. A lot of times they’ll start tugging or pulling on an ear. Little kids can also just get cranky, have trouble sleeping, or not eat well. Babies may push their bottles away because pressure in their ears makes it hurt to swallow.

While the immune system fights the ear infection, you can ease any pain your child feels. A warm washcloth on the outside of the ear can be soothing. Depending on the cause of the earache, your doctor may recommend eardrops. Non-prescription painkillers and fever-reducers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are also an option. Do not give aspirin to children.

Ear infections often go away on their own, so don’t be surprised if your doctor suggests a “wait and see” approach. The more we use antibiotics, the less effective they become. That’s because bacteria learn to fight back against common medicines. Viruses can also cause ear infections, and antibiotics only work on bacteria. Your doctor will know best when to use them.

If your child’s ear infections keep coming back, they can scar his eardrums and lead to hearing loss, speech problems, or even meningitis. If he has lots of them, you might want to have his hearing tested just in case.

For kids who get a lot of ear infections, doctors sometimes put small tubes through the eardrums. They let fluid drain out of the middle ear and stop it from building up again. This can ease the pressure or pain and clear up hearing problems. The tubes usually stay in for 6 to 9 months and fall out on their own.

Sometimes a child’s tonsils get so swollen that they put pressure on the Eustachian tubes that connect her middle ear to her throat — which then causes infections. If that keeps happening, she may need to have her tonsils taken out.

The biggest cause of middle ear infections is the common cold, so avoid cold viruses as much as you can. The best way to stop germs is to make sure your child washes her hands well and often. Also, keep your child away from secondhand smoke, get her a flu shot every year once she turns 6 months old, and breastfeed your baby for at least 6 months to boost her immune system.

Like colds, allergies can also irritate the Eustachian tube and lead to middle ear infections. If you can’t keep your child away from whatever’s bothering him, consider an allergy test to figure out his triggers. Medicine or allergy shots may offer relief and stop the infections, too.

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SOURCES:

Academy of American Family Physicians.

American Academy of Otolaryngology.

American Academy of Pediatrics: “Allergy Tips.”

Chonmaitree, T. Clinical Infectious Diseases, March 15, 2008.

Chavanet, P. Clinical Infectious Diseases, March 15, 2008.

KidsHealth: “Swimmer’s Ear.”

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: “Ear Infections in Children.”

Merck.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Sander, R. American Family Physician, March 1, 2001.

Spiro, D. JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association, Sept. 13, 2006.

CDC.

Mayoclinic.org.

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Earaches and Ear Infections — Know When to Go to the ER

Earaches and ear infections can have a variety of causes—viral, bacterial and fungal—and can affect different parts of the ear. Common infections include inner ear, middle ear and outer ear infections (or what is commonly known as “swimmer’s ear).

Ear infections also can be caused by scratching the ear canal when cleaning their ear, especially if a cotton-tipped applicator or dangerously sharp small object, such as a hair clip, is used. In other cases, a middle ear infection can cause an external infection to develop through the draining of pus into the ear canal through a hole in the eardrum.

Inner Ear

Infections of the inner ear usually result from viral illnesses, such as influenza, and can cause vertigo (a feeling that things are moving when they are not), dizziness, nausea, imbalance, difficulty concentrating, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), reduced hearing and other symptoms. These symptoms also may be caused by head injuries, drug reactions, allergies, underlying medical disorders or aging. If you have these symptoms, you should see a physician evaluation to make the diagnosis and to begin appropriate treatment.

If the symptoms are caused by a virus, the infection usually improves on its own. However, a doctor may recommend taking prescription or over-the-counter anti-nausea medications or receiving an injection to control the symptoms. Recurrent symptoms may indicate Meniere’s disease, a disorder in which fluid builds up in the inner ear and causes vertigo and balance problems.

Middle Ear

The middle ear is the small part of the ear just inside the eardrum; it is connected to the throat through a small tube. This part of the ear can get infected when germs from the nose and throat are trapped following the blockage of the connecting tube, usually during a cold. A physician evaluation is required to make the diagnosis and to begin appropriate treatment. Middle ear infections are more common in young children and usually show up as ear pain and fever, which can sometimes be high.

Symptoms of middle ear infections include:

• Earache (ranging from mild to severe). Babies with middle ear infections may cry, fuss and tug at their ears.
• Fever.
• A plugged feeling in the ears accompanied by trouble hearing.
• Thick, yellow discharge (when the infection has caused the eardrum to burst, fluid to flow out and pain to subside; this is not a serious condition and the eardrum usually heals on its own).

Many ear infections go away without treatment; however, eardrops or antibiotics may be prescribed, depending on the severity of the infection and the age of the child. Over-the-counter pain relievers containing acetaminophen such as Tylenol may help, as does applying a warm (not hot) washcloth or heating pad on the ear, and rest. Do not give aspirin to persons under age 19.

Ear infections may cause temporary difficulty with hearing. Seek medical attention especially for hearing in young children, since the ability to learn to talk is affected by hearing.

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear involves an infection of the ear canal (the tubular opening that carries sounds from the outside of the body to the eardrum). The infection can be caused by many different types of bacteria or fungi, and usually develops in teens and young adults whose ears are exposed to excessive amounts of water, such as the water in a swimming pool or lake. Often, people affected by swimmer’s ear have been diving or swimming for long periods of time, and usually in chlorinated or polluted waters, although even water from the shower can transport infectious bacteria directly into the ear canal. Swimmer’s ear is most common in warm climates and occurs more often during the summer months, when more people are swimming. The infection typically begins gradually and usually within a day of being immersed in water.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:

• Severe ear pain that gets worse when the outside part of the ear (also known as the pinna), is pulled or pressed. (Itching may also occur in the ear canal before the pain begins.)
• A reddened or swollen outer ear, with enlarged and tender surrounding glands.
• A greenish-yellow pus discharge along with possible difficultly in hearing (if passage of sound through the ear canal is blocked by the pus buildup).
• A slight fever, in some cases.

Seek emergency care if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Pain in an ear with or without fever.
• Itching of the ear or ear canal.
• Loss of hearing or difficulty hearing in one or both ears.
• Pus or discharge from an ear, especially if it’s thick, yellow, bloody, or foul-smelling.

Medical treatment of swimmer’s ear will depend on the severity of the pain and the extent of infection. Mild infections may require your doctor to prescribe eardrops with antibiotics or corticosteroids. If treated with medication, swimmer’s ear is usually cured within seven to 10 days, although you may need to avoid the water for a longer time. In addition, ear pain may increase for 12 to 24 hours following treatment, after which it should subside.

In more severe cases of swimmer’s ear, the opening into the ear may be narrowed by swelling, in which case the ear may need to be cleaned and a cotton wick inserted before the eardrops can be applied. In addition, a culture of the ear may be taken to help identify the cause of the infection, and oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

Anyone who thinks they’re having a medical emergency should not hesitate to seek care. Federal law ensures that anyone who comes to the emergency department is treated and stabilized, and that their insurance provides coverage based on symptoms, not a final diagnosis. 

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The disease does not seem dangerous and almost every parent had to deal with it. However, behind the mask of imperceptible ailments lies a source of serious complications associated with the auditory organ and the central nervous system. Most often, this affects the youngest children – those who attend nurseries and kindergartens.

How do you recognize an ear infection in yourself or your child? How to treat them? Is there an alternative home therapy that will be equally effective? Let’s find out in this article.

Ear infections are much more common in children than in adults. This is due to the immaturity of the immune system, more frequent upper respiratory tract infections, contact with other babies, and anatomical factors that make it easier for bacteria to travel from the throat to the ear. It is these microorganisms that are the main causes of acute otitis media.

Symptoms

Symptoms of otitis media can vary, and if one of them is found, then you need to use the services of an ENT, and not self-medicate. The type of disease that appears depends on many factors such as etiology, age, and anatomical predisposition.

First of all, pain is typical for children. You can experience sensations of pulsation in the ear or the surrounding area (temples and mastoid process – part of the temporal bone).

When is soreness usually present? At night or during rest, that is, when the supine position is taken. Older children suffering from otitis media may self-report comorbidities, while toddlers will simply cry in pain.

Throbbing pain is also quite common in adults. Most children with middle ear inflammation also have a fever, the temperature is usually quite high, most often in excess of 38-39degrees Celsius.

Crying children may seem hot – but this is not the main symptom of otitis media. It is necessary to calm the baby and only then take measurements.

Symptoms:

• noise, pulsation – common symptoms resulting from inflamed vascular changes in the ear;
• a sick child, of course, will not sleep peacefully at night, and during the day he can be very agitated, irritated and tired;
• lack of appetite is another alarming symptom, completely vague when it comes to otitis media, but it should always cause alertness in parents;
• vomiting in a baby is a frequent signal of problems in the middle of the hearing organ;
• rubbing the ear is often aimed at reducing discomfort, so children with inflammation will be overly active in this area;
• hearing loss, sensation of blockage, foreign body and fullness are symptoms affecting both young and elderly patients;
• ear discharge.

A characteristic feature is the frequent relief of pain after cleaning. The discharge disappears, and the pressure drop in the middle cavity brings relief from pain. It is also worth paying attention to whether there have been recent infections of the upper respiratory tract or throat. The most common route for the spread of causative factors for acute otitis media is through the Eustachian tube, which connects the throat to the central part of the hearing organ.

Sometimes the disease may be accompanied by skin rashes covering the auricle: vesicles, spots, purulent lesions. If we notice a secretion from the ear canal for a long time, but there is no sign of pain after that, then this inflammation, unfortunately, can become chronic.

Otoscopic examination

An ENT or general practitioner, looking into the ear with a special viewing glass – an otoscope, will notice typical signs of inflammation, that is, dilated vessels that give the impression of redness of the eardrum.

Most often, this picture indicates the initial stage of infection. In the advanced phase, the membrane will be clearly convex, due to the pressure of secretions from its inner side. You can see a crack inside or leakage of purulent contents – this, unfortunately, indicates an advanced stage.

Treatment regimens

The first question is: should we use any therapy at all, and if so, when should we do it? Otitis often resolves on its own and there is no need to start antibiotic therapy.

However, we can use other drugs that act symptomatically to reduce the associated inflammation. The so-called vigilant observation technique is currently being used. The disease should subside without treatment within 1 to 2 days of symptom onset.

Relief of symptoms

This is definitely the most commonly used treatment. We refuse antibiotic therapy and fight fever, pain, using two main substances – ibuprofen and paracetamol in oral form.

Treatment

The treatment depends, of course, on the etiology. Antibiotic therapy will become the basis of a bacterial infection. For acute otitis media, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are common causative agents – so we treat empirically, assuming each patient’s illness is caused by one of these bacteria.

A popular drug in the medical community is amoxicillin, which is administered in high doses. Alternatively, amoxicillin in combination with clavulanic acid or intravenous or intramuscular clarithromycin may be used in the absence of improvement or increased sensitivity to penicillin drugs.

Antibiotic therapy will be included in severe disease, high fever and vomiting in all children who have factors predisposing to the development of the disease and its frequent relapses: in children under 6 months of age due to the immaturity of the immune system and the inability to independently cope with infection, in children under 2 years of age with inflammation in both ears.

Otitis media appears among other diagnoses. Its symptoms are earache, irritability and high fever.

Interesting fact

Diet

Complex carbohydrates, hot liquids, vegetables and soups prepared from these products are an ally in the fight against pathological conditions of the hearing organs. Substances with antibacterial activity, natural antibiotics are also allowed: garlic, onion, ginger. It is important to drink plenty of water to facilitate the outflow of colonies of pathogens that colonize the mouth or throat.

Wraps

Two things are needed to make them: an anesthetic that simultaneously destroys the etiological factor, and a thin scarf, gauze, to wrap him/her and attach to the patient’s ear.

Organic ingredients will also help in this: chamomile, ginger, onion or garlic. Onions, ginger and garlic should be peeled and then chopped. Then wrap the ingredient in gauze or a thin scarf, heat it to a temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius and then place it on the ear. It is worth putting a cap on your head, which increases the surface of the compress. It should stay on the body for about an hour. Instead of onion or garlic, gauze can be filled with dried chamomile. However, such a compress should be placed in a closed vessel over a water bath in order to warm it up significantly and make it moist. This composition should be kept in the ear area for about 45 minutes – 1 hour.

Essence

It can be prepared with an oil base, with or without an antibacterial agent (ginger, garlic). You will get a consistency that will allow you to deliver a few drops to the patient’s ear. It is best to reheat the medicine before serving. However, it is important to check the temperature of the solution on the back of the hand before use.

Another way is to use a cotton swab soaked in the compound to be placed in the ear. The wonderful properties of tea tree oil, which is applied directly to the ear or on a cotton pad, are also known.

Extracts

In a mortar, we can grind garlic or onion cloves, squeeze the pulp through cheesecloth, and then put a few drops of the juice on the ear affected by inflammation.

Warmth

In all forms, it is the ally of otitis patients. We should heat compresses from the above substances or ordinary scarves moistened with warm water, put on hats, wrap the neck up to the line of the ears.

It is important to remember that it is strictly forbidden:

• 1

  Blow your nose as hard as you can – this way you can cause the penetration of pathogens into the middle ear.

• 2

  Using an ear cleaning stick outside of the outer part of the ear, because this way not only can transfer bacteria there, but also create the risk of wax plugging.

Symptoms of otitis media are worth knowing because most of them are not considered as symptoms of a disease that can lead to serious complications. Everyone should be mindful of the technique of vigilant observation without risking self-treatment of children under 6 months of age.

Acute otitis media – symptoms, causes, treatment

Content

• 1 Acute otitis media: symptoms, treatment and prevention
  • 1. 1 Acute otitis media – symptoms, causes, treatment : concept and symptoms
    • 1.2.1 What is acute otitis media?
    • 1.2.2 What are the symptoms of acute otitis media?
  • 1.3 Symptoms of acute otitis media
  • 1.4 Causes of acute otitis media
  • 1.5 How to diagnose acute otitis media
  • 1.6 Treatment of acute otitis media
    • 1.6.1 Medical treatment
    • 1.6.2 Preotological procedures
    • 1.6.3 Surgery

    9 0041

    • 1.7 Prevention of acute otitis media
    • 1.8 Complications of acute otitis media
      • 1.8.1 Meningitis
      • 1.8.2 Brain abscess
      • 1.8.3 Facial paralysis
    • 1.9 When should I see a doctor for acute otitis media?
    • 1.10 Related videos:
    • 1.11 Q&A:
      • • 1.11.0.1 What are the symptoms of acute otitis media?
        • 1.11.0.2 What are the causes of acute otitis media?
        • 1.11.0.3 What is the diagnosis for acute otitis media?
        • 1. 11.0.4 How is acute otitis media treated?
        • 1.11.0.5 How long does acute otitis media last?
        • 1.11.0.6 What complications can occur in acute otitis media?

  Acute otitis media is a disease characterized by inflammation of the middle ear and is often accompanied by pain and hearing loss. In the article you will find information about the causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment of acute otitis media.

  Acute otitis media is a common condition that often occurs in young children and can cause significant discomfort and pain. The disease is associated with inflammation of the middle ear and can lead to significant consequences, including hearing loss in the future. Because of this, it is important to be aware of the symptoms, causes, and treatment of acute otitis media.

  Upper respiratory infection and bacterial or viral infection can cause acute otitis media. It can become a complication after a cold or flu. Moreover, in children, the tube connecting the ear to the nose narrows and becomes more horizontal, which contributes to the stagnation of sputum and bacteria in the middle ear. In addition, acute otitis media can be caused by other factors such as allergies, smoking, and dental problems.

  In general, taking preventive measures such as regular handwashing, avoiding bad habits, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent acute otitis media.

  It is important to see a doctor if you or your child has symptoms of acute otitis media. Fast and effective treatment will help prevent possible complications and significantly improve the quality of life.

  Acute otitis media – symptoms, causes, treatment

  Acute otitis media is a disease of the ear cavity, which is characterized by inflammation of the tympanic membrane and middle ear. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial and viral infections, the common cold, upper respiratory infections, or allergic reactions. Symptoms of acute otitis media can range from mild to severe and may include ear pain, hearing loss, ear discharge, fever, and headache.

  Treatment of acute otitis media may include antibiotics, pain medication, and drainage tubes if there is ear discharge. It may also be recommended to observe the condition for several days to make sure that health improves. It is important to avoid excessive effort when cleaning your ear and not to let water get into your ears while showering or bathing to avoid possible complications.

  • Symptoms of acute otitis media:
    1. pain in the ear;
    2. hearing loss;
    3. ear discharge;
    4. fever;
    5. headache.
  • Causes of acute otitis media:
    • bacterial and viral infections;
    • runny nose;
    • diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
    • allergic reactions.
  • Treatment of acute otitis media:
    • antibiotics;
    • painkillers;
    • drain tubes;
    • monitoring for several days.

  Acute otitis media: concept and symptoms

  What is acute otitis media?

  Acute otitis media is a disease in which the inflammatory process covers the central part of the ear, namely the middle ear.

  In acute otitis media, the function of the auditory tube is disturbed, which leads to a violation of pressure in the middle ear. This can provoke the penetration of microorganisms into the middle ear and the subsequent development of inflammation.

  What are the symptoms of acute otitis media?

  Symptoms of acute otitis media can manifest in varying degrees and depend on the age of the patient:

  • For children: severe pain in the ear, fever, weakness, feeling unwell, sleep and appetite disturbance, poor reaction to sounds and communication .
  • For adults: hearing impairment, heaviness and congestion of the ear, headache, sharp pain in the ear, decreased sensitivity.

  If you experience these symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor to diagnose and treat acute otitis media.

  Symptoms of acute otitis media

  Ear pain is one of the main symptoms of acute otitis media. The pain may be continuous or intermittent, sharp or dull. It can get worse when you try to chew or talk, or when you touch or move your ear.

  Hearing loss – Hearing can be severely impaired in acute otitis media. This may be due to a disruption in the transmission of the sound wave from the middle ear to the inner ear.

  Fever – Acute otitis media may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature up to 38 degrees and above.

  • Other possible symptoms of acute otitis media:
  • – Runny nose and stuffy ears
  • – Headache
  • – Vomiting and nausea
  • – Weakness and fatigue
  • – Sleep disturbance

  Causes of acute otitis media

  Bacteria and viruses. Acute otitis media can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacteria such as streptococci, pneumococci, or Haemophilus influenzae can infect the lining of the nasopharynx and spread to the middle ear.

  Fungal infections. Rarely, fungi can cause acute otitis media. The disease can occur through contact with fungi that are in dirty water or contaminated soil.

  Allergic reaction. Acute otitis media can be caused by an allergic reaction to food, pollen, dust, pets, or other allergens. Allergic otitis can develop under the influence of many factors.

  Weakened immunity. People who are immunocompromised, for example as a result of radiation therapy or chronic illness, may become more susceptible to acute otitis media.

  Polluted air and water. Acute otitis media can be caused by the entry of contaminated air or water into the body. Polluted water and air environments can become a source of ear diseases.

  • Damage to the eardrum. Injury to the tympanic membrane may cause acute otitis media. Damage can be caused by injury, illness, or surgery.
  • The body’s defense mechanism. Acute otitis media may be the cause of the body’s defense mechanism. If the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx is inflamed, it can secrete a large amount of mucus, which then passes into the middle ear and causes inflammation.

  How to diagnose acute otitis media

  Acute otitis media is an inflammatory disease of the middle ear caused by various bacteria and viruses. To diagnose this disease, you should pay attention to several symptoms.

  • Pain in the ear. The pain may be mild to severe and worse when the ear is touched.
  • Increased body temperature. Temperature can rise up to 39 degrees.
  • Hearing impairment. There may be a tympanogram (drawing) identifying the degree of deafness.
  • Discharge from the ear. Available in yellow or green.
  • Headache. Can be strong and long lasting.

  For the diagnosis of acute otitis media, it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist. The doctor will examine and listen to the patient’s complaints. If you have ear discharge, your doctor may take a sputum test for bacteria and test for hearing problems.

  At the first symptoms of acute otitis media, you should seek medical attention to start treatment as soon as possible.

  Treatment of acute otitis media

  Medical treatment

  Acute otitis media can be treated medically with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs. For example, aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol can help relieve pain. Antibacterial medicines such as amoxicillin and augmentin can help fight a secondary bacterial infection. However, self-medication is not allowed and consultation with a specialist is necessary.

  Pre-otology procedures

  Acute otitis media sometimes requires pre-otology procedures, which can help the doctor remove pus from the ear, release pressure from the ear cavity, and allow fluid to drain.

  Surgery

  If acute otitis media cannot be treated with medication or goes through complications, then in some cases surgery may be required, which may be performed by removing purulent fluid from the ear, or inserting a tube into the eardrum to clear a secondary infection.

  Prevention of acute otitis media

  Acute otitis media is one of the most common reasons children and adults visit a doctor. It can cause pain, hearing loss, and other unpleasant symptoms. However, there are methods of prevention that can reduce the risk of the disease.

  • Ear hygiene . To do this, it is necessary to remove sulfur plaque from the ears daily using special products or soft cotton swabs. It is important not to abuse this method so as not to damage the ears.
  • Avoidance of water procedures in case of injuries or diseases of the ears . This will help prevent water from getting into your ears and causing infection. If necessary, use special ear plugs.
  • Reducing the risk of upper respiratory infections . They can provoke acute otitis media, therefore, for prevention, hygiene measures must be observed and contact with sick people should be avoided.
  • Regular room ventilation . This will help prevent the accumulation of bacteria and fungi in an enclosed space, which can cause disease.
  • Vaccination . Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines can greatly reduce the risk of acute otitis media.

  Following these simple precautions will help protect your ears from possible disease and maintain good health.

  Complications of acute otitis media

  Meningitis

  Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges that can occur as a complication of acute otitis media. Symptoms of meningitis include headache, seizures, nausea and vomiting, and fever. If meningitis is suspected, urgent medical attention is needed, as this condition can lead to serious consequences, including brain damage and even death.

  Brain abscess

  Brain abscess is a purulent inflammation that can occur when an infection spreads from the ear cavity. Symptoms of a brain abscess include headache, nausea and vomiting, seizures, and confusion. Treatment of a brain abscess may require surgery and a course of antibiotics.

  Facial palsy

  Facial palsy is a dysfunction of the facial nerve that may be associated with complications of acute otitis media. Symptoms of facial paralysis include inflammation and redness of the face, as well as problems with the eyes and mouth. Treatment for facial paralysis may include a course of steroids and physical therapy.

  • Acute otitis media can cause serious complications that can lead to dysfunction of the brain and other organs.
  • It is critical to see a doctor promptly if symptoms of acute otitis media appear.
  • Treatment of acute otitis media must be carried out to the end to prevent possible complications.

  When should I see a doctor for acute otitis media?

  The symptoms of acute otitis media can be quite severe and painkillers do not always help. Therefore, if you notice signs of illness in yourself, you should consult a doctor. You should contact him if:

  • you have acute pain in your ear;
  • ear swollen;
  • hearing is impaired, and sometimes there is noise in the ear;
  • discharge of purulent fluid from the ear;
  • you raised the temperature;
  • have a decrease in appetite and feel a general weakness of the body.

  A visit to the doctor for acute otitis media should not be postponed, as this can lead to serious consequences. If you do not get timely help, the infection can spread to nearby organs and tissues, which can lead to various complications. Therefore, do not delay contacting a doctor if you notice signs of acute otitis media in yourself or in a child.

  Related videos:

  Q&A:

  What are the symptoms of acute otitis media?

  Symptoms of acute otitis media can be different: ear pain, hearing loss, fluid from the ear, fever. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and incoordination may also occur.

  What are the causes of acute otitis media?

  Acute otitis media can result from bacteria or viruses entering the middle ear through the pharynx or Eustachian tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. Also, allergies, flu or chronic respiratory diseases can be causes.

  What is the diagnosis of acute otitis media?

  Ear examination, blood tests, and audiometry to determine the degree of hearing loss are used to diagnose acute otitis media. In some cases x-rays may be necessary

  How is acute otitis media treated?

  Treatment of acute otitis media must be prescribed by a doctor and depends on the cause of the disease.