Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Treatment in Chirag Enclave, Delhi

Middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, is an infection caused by bacterias or viruses in the space behind your eardrum. The infection results in the inflammation of the middle ear, causing soreness and pain. 

Symptoms of otitis media include dizziness, pain in the ear, trouble sleeping, etc. These ear infections clear up on their own in two to three days. If they persist after three days, then your doctor will recommend painkillers and antibiotics to treat the infection. 

To seek treatment, you can consult an ENT specialist near you or you can visit an ENT hospital near you.

What are the types of otitis media?

Acute Otitis Media (AOM) - This is a type of infection that causes symptoms like redness, soreness and ear pain. Mucus or fluid starts accumulating in the eustachian tube, causing pain and loss of balance. 
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) - This is the type of infection that occurs when an ear infection has healed, there is still some fluid left in the middle ear and continues to accumulate in the ear. It causes impaired hearing and a feeling of fullness in the ear. 

What are the symptoms?

You may have an ear infection or otitis media if you show the following symptoms. They are:

• Pain in the ear
• Dizziness
• Trouble hearing
• Nausea
• Yellow or bloody discharge coming out of your ear
• Fever
• Problem sleeping
• Decrease in appetite
• Headache

What causes otitis media?

There are a few factors that commonly cause ear infections. They are:

• Bacteria or virus
• Flu
• Sinus
• Respiratory tract infection
• Swollen eustachian tube
• Swollen adenoids
• Change in season and altitude

When do you need to visit a doctor?

If you experience symptoms that persist for more than three days, it is recommended that you visit a doctor.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the complications?

Otitis media does not cause any long-term complications because it heals after two to three days. If it keeps coming back and persists for more than three days, a few complications may arise. These include:

• Trouble hearing - If you have trouble hearing when you are suffering from an ear infection, that is fine. But recurrent ear infections that result in fluid building up in your ears may cause permanent hearing loss. 
• Delay in speech development - Ear infections are common in children. Persistent ear infections cause damage to the eardrums. It may result in delays in speech development.
• Tear in the eardrums - Ear infections that do not heal cause tears in the eardrum.

How is otitis media prevented?

A few simple steps can go a long way in reducing the risk of developing ear infections. They are:

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke because they irritate the ear.
• Maintain personal hygiene.
• Stay up to date with vaccinations and flu shots. 

What are the treatment options for otitis media?

Ear infections clear up on their own within three days. If the ear infection persists, then it is time you visit your doctor. Depending on the severity of the infection, your doctor will prescribe painkillers as well as antibiotics to reduce the infection.

Conclusion

Middle ear infection, also called otitis media, is an infection caused by bacteria or viruses in the space behind your eardrum. The infection results in the inflammation of the middle ear and fluid build-up in the eustachian tube. 

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/otitis#types

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20351616

https://www.rxlist.com/quiz_ear_infection/faq.htm