Otitis Media in Children

Middle ear inflammations are called otitis media. Otitis Media is very common in children and infants. Infections often are at the root of the inflammation but they generally do not start in the middle ear. Instead, they spread there as a result of respiratory infection. Viruses or bacteria are the culprits of the infection. Allergies (food and airborne) can also be a cause. Cigarette smoke, pollen, animal dander, dust, mold, fungi, sulfur dioxide, organic compounds, pesticides, and herbicides are the most common airborne culprits. Cow milk products, wheat, egg whites, peanuts, soy, corn, oranges, tomatoes, and chicken are the most common food culprits.

The three types of otitis media are:

acute otitis media
chronic otitis media
and serous otitis media. Fever, pus, a perforated or bulging eardrum, and pain originating from the eardrum can all be signs of acute otitis media. Fluid pooling in the middle early generally accompanies these symptoms. The symptoms generally come on quickly and last for a short period of time (a few weeks). For up to three months after an acute infection is diagnosed, fluid can stay behind the ear drum.

Inflammation of the middle ear that seems to not go away (generally, one month’s time is the minimum time frame), could be due to chronic otitis media. The onset of chronic otitis media’s symptoms may not necessarily be obvious since generally no pain or fever occurs.

Symptoms that are obvious to the problem may include:

subtle hearing loss
and/or months-long ear pressure
or popping. If the eardrum fluid left behind from an acute infection remains, the infection may progress to a chronic type. Additionally, negative pressure behind the eardrum can contribute to the onset of a chronic infection. Middle ear and eardrum damage can result if chronic otitis media is not treated. Also, eardrum fluid drainage may happen continuously.

Infection-free-middle-ear inflammation may be due to serous otitis media, the third type of otitis media. Symptoms can include

poor hearing
and/or a dull or full feeling in the ear. These symptoms are due to middle-ear-fluid accumulation. Most of the time the ear’s Eustachian tube is to blame. The Eustachian tube is a canal that goes from the back of the throat and nose all the way to the middle ear. If it cannot ventilate the ear, then it is considered defective and hence leads to fluid-accumulation issues. Other symptoms of all three types of infection not previously listed may include:
headache
ringing sound in the ear
dizziness
nausea
vomiting

Young children are especially prone to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal than those of older children and adults. The shorter, more horizontal nature of the tubes invites infection since microorganisms can enter into the middle ear more easily. The infection then can lead to otitis media. Frequent ear infections can impair a child’s ability to hear. The impairment can lead to delays in language and speech. Upper respiratory and ear infections are often present more in children lacking vitamin A, zinc, and iron. Leukotriene and prostaglandin overabundances can also add to the problem. Bottle-fed infants can develop otitis media. Breastfeeding is the better choice since it lessens the infant’s chance of developing infection.

If otitis media is bacteria-based, antibiotics may be used for treatment. Orally or via ear drops are two ways in which the antibiotic may be taken. The treatment may last for a long time. In order to allow the Eustachian tube to do its job, tonsil-removal surgery may be performed. Myringotomy, a procedure in which the eardrum is pierced to allow fluid to drain, may be performed as well. Tubes may be placed in the ear during the procedure. Ruptured eardrum surgery can also be performed in order to try to stop the chronic ear infections from happening. Reinfection can be warded off by maintaining clean, dry ears (especially after myringotomy). Nearby parts of the head (including the brain) can be seriously affected if otitis media is not treated. Permanent hearing troubles can also result.

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