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Otitis Media (Ear infection)

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What is otitis media? Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear (behind the tympanic membrane). It is usually caused by a bacterium, but may also be caused by a fungus or virus. Often there is a problem with the eustachian tube, a passage between the ear and the back of the mouth.

Risk Factors

• Upper respiratory infection
• Allergies
• Smoke in the home
• Bottle feeding while lying down – especially if a baby is put to bed or to sleep with a bottle
• History of ear infections

Signs and symptoms

• Ear pain
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Runny nose
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Usual treatment

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort
• Antibiotic for the infection (be sure you take all the medicine for as long as it is ordered)
• Decongestant for the upper respiratory infection

Complications

• Chronic otitis and hearing loss
• Serous otitis or chronic fluid behind the tympanic membrane
• Perforation (hole) in the tympanic membrane
• Cholesteatoma – a mass of cholesterol and cells that usually requires surgery

Your treatment plan