Middle Ear Infection
The ear is the organ of hearing and balance. It has three parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear.
Ear Infections in Children
Acute Otitis Media (AOM). An inflammation in the middle ear is known as “otitis media.” AOM is a middle ear infection caused by bacteria that traveled to middle ear from fluid build-up in the Eustachian tube. AOM may develop during or after a cold or the flu.
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). This condition occurs when fluid, called an effusion, becomes trapped behind the eardrum in one or both ears, even when there is no infection. In chronic and severe cases, the fluid is very sticky and is commonly called “glue ear.”
- It is usually not painful. Sometimes the only clue that it is present is a feeling of stuffiness in the ears, which can feel like “being under water.”
- It may impair children’s hearing.
Causes
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Viral and bacterial sinusitis
Allergic Rhinitis
Large Adenoids blocking Eustachian Tube
Symptoms of Acute otitis media (AOM)
- Pain or discomfort in the ear.
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Fever
- Irritability
- Sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
Symptoms of otitis media with effusion (OME)
Hearing loss
Hearing Loss and Its Consequences
- Learning Delays.
- Behavioral and Social Problems.
- Speech Problems.
Treatment
Valsalva’s Maneuver & Otovent device
Antibiotics & Decongestants
Surgery.
- Myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion
- Adenoidectomy +/- tonsillectomy plus myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion
