Otitis media primarily affects young children and infants, but it can also occur in adults. Here you can find out what signs point to otitis media and how the inflammatory infection is treated.
Middle ear infections are one of the most common diseases in infants and young children – around 80 percent suffer from acute otitis media at least once by the age of three. After that, the likelihood of pathogens getting from the pharynx into the ear decreases significantly, because the connecting passage between the middle ear and pharynx (“ear trumpet”) develops and lengthens – otitis can still occur at any age. It usually heals on its own within three days. However, if the middle ear infection lasts for several weeks, it is a chronic otitis media, which entails the risk of permanent hearing damage. In the following you will learn how to recognize a middle ear infection and which treatment methods are usually used.
Table of Contents
Otitis media: 3 symptoms of middle ear infection
1. Severe ear pain
Middle ear infections are usually due to cold viruses or bacterial pathogens making their way from the nasopharynx to the middle ear. With small children, this path is still very short, which is why they are particularly vulnerable. As part of the inflammation, the mucous membranes in the ear canal swell, which means that the secretion can no longer drain properly and puts pressure on the eardrum. This pressure sometimes causes sudden, severe pain and a so-called ear constriction : those affected often touch their ears because of the uncomfortable feeling.
Tip: Small children cannot always localize pain precisely and often complain of stomach ache, even if the ear or other body regions are affected. Therefore, also pay attention to the next symptom, which is typical of a middle ear infection.
2. Hearing disorders
The swelling of the mucous membranes and the accumulation of secretions in the ear canal also reduces the hearing ability of those affected. With a chronic middle ear infection, there is a risk of permanent hearing damage, which is why you and your child should always consult your trusted ENT or family doctor if you have any symptoms.
3. Fever
Like many other infections, middle ear infections are often accompanied by fever. If your child complains of earache, you should always keep an eye on their temperature. Otitis media is often associated with fever and temperatures above 38 °C.
Prevention and treatment of middle ear infections
Due to the short distance between the pharynx and the middle ear, otitis in infancy is difficult to prevent. However, there are a few risk factors that you can influence: It has been shown that children who frequently use a pacifier or are exposed to secondhand smoke have a slightly increased risk of an otitis media. If severe pain and high fever occur, painkillers and antipyretics can be used. As a rule, however, a middle ear infection does not require any treatment and will go away on its own. Antibiotics are only given in exceptional cases and are only effective if the infection is actually bacterial.
