Otitis Media

Middle ear infection, most common in young children

Overview

Otitis media is inflammation or infection of the middle ear, the air filled space behind the eardrum. Acute otitis media causes ear pain, fever, irritability in infants, and temporary hearing loss, and a bulging red eardrum is seen on examination. It is among the most common illnesses of early childhood, partly because the Eustachian tubes of young children are shorter and more horizontal and drain less effectively. Common bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, often following a viral cold. Many cases resolve on their own, and clinical guidelines describe both initial observation with pain relief and antibiotic treatment depending on age and severity. Recurrent infections are sometimes managed with ventilation tubes. Fluid that persists without acute infection is called otitis media with effusion, or glue ear, and can cause a conductive hearing loss. Complications such as eardrum perforation and mastoiditis are uncommon. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination have been associated with reduced rates of ear infections.