Otitis Media

Patient Education

What is Otitis Media?

Otitis media is common infection of the middle ear. It can present as Acute otitis media, Chronic suppurative otitis media and Otitis media with effusion. It is the second most common pediatric disease presenting to the emergency department.

What are the causes of Otitis Media?

The infection can be due to a virus, bacteria or both. Majority of bacterial cases are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Most common viral pathogens causing Otitis media are Respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, influenza virus, adenovirus.

What is the incidence of Otitis Media?

Otitis media commonly presents in infants between 6 months to 2 years of age. Approximately 80% children are diagnosed with otitis media. Otitis media is less common in adults.

What are the symptoms of Otitis Media?

Children with Otitis media usually present with tugging or pulling of the ears or discharge from the ears. Other common symptoms are irritability, crying, poor feeding, low grade fever, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Children presenting with these symptoms usually get an otoscopic examination. This involves an instrument which is the easiest way of diagnosing otitis media.

No further laboratory tests are required.

What are the treatment options available?

Oral antibiotics are recommended and can be given for 5-7 days. Amoxicllin-clavulanate is the preferred antibiotic for Otitis media treatment.

Analgesics can be given to reduce discomfort.

Surgical procedures may be required in people with recurrent episodes of otitis media. Myringotomy with tube placement is a procedure usually performed which involves an incision being made on the eardrum which allows for the fluid to be drained. A tube is placed to prevent the gape from closing and provides ventilation and helps with hearing.

What are the possible complications of Otitis Media?

Complications of otitis media rarely occur, but are serious in nature. Untreated otitis media infection can lead to Labyrinthitis, Mastoiditis, Meningitis, Facial paralysis or even Permanent hearing loss.