03
May
Middle Ear Infections (Acute Suppurative Otitis Media)
MIDDLE EAR INFECTION is an infection behind the ear drum. This particularly follows upper respiratory tract infections. This type of ear infection affects people of all ages, but most of the time it will affect the kids. 50% of 3 year olds have more than 1 ear infection per year. However most of them will grow out of them by the age of 6. Most of the time, they will have no long term complications.
ORGANISMS THAT CAUSE MIDDLE EAR INFECTION
- Bacteria
- Viral
SYMPTOMS
- It usually very painful
- High grade fever frequently present
- Sense of pressure in the middle ear
- Mild deafness might present due to fluid build up in the middle ear from the infection
- The ear drum might burst if the pressure in the middle ear is too high. It usually followed by rapid relief of earache.
- Ear discharge then become the prominent features after the ear drum burst
- The drums usually heal very quickly
- In certain cases the hole on the ear drum will remain but most of the time the child won’t have problem listening
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
- Paracetomol syrup or any other analgesics can be used for pain relief
- Antibiotics might be prescribed by your physician if they suspect the infection is bacterial in origin. Most of the time for 5-7 days duration.
- If there is ear discharge, ear drops may be given by your doctor
- Rarely, very painful of the bulging drums need incising (myringotomy). This will be decided by your family doctor.
COMPLICATIONS OF MIDDLE EAR INFECTION
These complications are very rare.
- Mastoiditis
- Petrositis
- Labyrinthitis
- Facial palsy
- Meningitis
- Subdural, extradural brain abscess
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- If the child seems to have problem hearing after having the ear infection, bring your child to see the doctor for ears checked.
- Some child may develop glue ear (serous otitis media) followed by the middle ear infection. The teacher at school might complain that your child have problem listening and obey commands.
- Frequent ear infections mean that your child need to see the specialist
References:
- Child health fact sheet,
Tags: cause, complication, health, middle ear infection, symptoms, treatment
