What Is Middle Ear Infection Or Otitis Media
Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. "Otitis" means inflammation of the ear, and "media" means middle. This type of inflammation often begins with infections that cause sore throats, colds or other respiratory problems, and spreads to the middle ear. These can be caused by viruses or bacteria, and can be acute or chronic in state.
Acute otitis media is typically associated with fluid accumulation in the middle ear together with signs or symptoms of ear infection; a bulging eardrum usually accompanied by pain, or a perforated eardrum, often with drainage of purulent material (pus). Also, acute otitis media is usually of rapid onset and short duration. And fever can be present.
Chronic otitis media is a constant inflammation of the middle ear, typically for a minimum of a month. This is in distinction to an acute ear infection (acute otitis media) that usually lasts only several weeks. Following an acute infection, fluid (an effusion) may remain behind the ear drum (tympanic membrane) for up to three months before resolving.
Chronic otitis media may develop after a prolonged period of time with fluid (effusion) or negative pressure behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane). Chronic otitis media can cause ongoing damage to the middle ear and eardrum and there may be continuing drainage through a hole in the eardrum. And it also often starts painlessly without fever. Ear pressure or popping can be persistent for months. Sometimes a subtle loss of hearing can be due to chronic otitis media.
What happens if a hole develops in the eardrum?
A hole that forms in the eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) usually causes a chronic draining ear, or a condition called chronic otitis media with perforation. Often the drainage (otorrhea) will have a foul odor and can be seen draining from the ear. Hearing can improve after the middle ear fluid is released, or it may worsen secondary to the inflammation in the middle ear.
What is serious otitis media?
Serous otitis media is inflammation in the middle ear without infection. Normally, the Eustachian tube is not functioning and cannot ventilate the ear normally. As a result, fluid accumulates in the middle-ear. This can lead to a dullness or fullness within the ear along with diminished hearing.
How is chronic otitis media treated?
First and foremost, antibiotics may resolve the infection. If a tympanic membrane perforation is also present, topical antibiotic drops can be used. If eardrum or ossicle scarring has occurred, that will not be reversed with antibiotics alone. Surgery is then needed to repair the tympanic membrane (eardrum), remove the infected tissue and scar from the middle ear and the mastoid bone.