Otitis media is an ailment that affects the middle ear. Those affected by this infection find that their middle ear is inflamed or infected. This happens when one is suffering from sore throats, cold, and other respiratory and breathing problems.


These infections and problems then spread to the middle ear. Three out of four children are prone to suffer from otitis media by the time they are three. At least fifty percent of these children experience otitis media about three or more times during three years.


This disease, though known to mainly affect small children and infants, can also be found to affect adults.    

Children are more prone to this disease as their immune system is not fully developed, and they find it difficult fighting infections. Another reason is that the Eustachian tube in children is shorter and straighter than that of adults. If this tube has some kind of blockage due to a swelling in its lining or is filled with mucus, the Eustachian tube is unable to replenish the air in this middle ear region. As a result of this, the fluid is unable to drain and accumulates in the middle ear. If the adenoids (cells that fight infection), which are found in the upper part of the throat very close to the Eustachian tube, are infected it may lead to infection of the Eustachian tubes.

Some common signs that may indicate that your child has otitis media include irritability that is not usual, difficulty in sleeping, fever, fluid draining from the ears, loss of balance, irritation and constant fiddling with the ears, not responding to quiet sounds, and inability to sit too close to the television. Children who are around those who smoke cigarettes are more likely to have ear infections. You should keep your children away from playmates who are sick as well. If your child is used to being nursed from a bottle while lying down, chances are that he may develop otitis.

Most physicians treat otitis with an antibiotic. If there is pain, your child may have to take a pain killer. It is important that you follow all the instructions that are given by your physician. You would have to go for a follow-up to check if the infection is still there.

Although the infection may clear, it will be a while before the fluid disappears. Most physician use antibiotics to clear the infection, and in cases where the fluid does not disappear, many physicians opt for an operation called myringotomy. This involves inserting a tube in the ear that is affected. These tubes allow the middle ear to be ventilated. After six to eight months this tube comes out naturally from the ear. Once the fluid is removed hearing is generally restored.