What is Otitis? What are its Symptoms and its Treatment?

While most people refer to this condition as otitis, it is known as otitis media in the medical community. This term refers to inflammation in the middle ear. This is the reason for the word “media,” which means middle. Many people who suffer from otitis media find that the condition starts with a cold or sore throat, or perhaps some upper-respiratory problem. The problem then travels to the middle ear.

Medical personnel classify otitis media as either acute or chronic. Acute otitis media can develop quickly but it usually ends much more quickly than chronic otitis media. Acute otitis media is generally characterized by fluid in the middle ear, painful eardrum and some drainage. Chronic conditions are more persistent and may last for a month or more. Fluid may build up in the middle ear and remain for a long time. The inner ear can be damaged by chronic otitis media, even though there may be no pain initially.

Otitis media may be caused by either bacteria or a virus. Strep bacteria and a couple of other bacteria cause the vast majority of otitis conditions. Current medical records show that viruses account for only about 15 percent of otitis media conditions. Children may complain of an earache and may seem “fussy” or complain about not feeling good. Fever is possible in many otitis cases. Some individuals exhibit a runny nose and cough in the early stages of this malady.

It may be best to visit your family doctor if you suspect an ear problem of any sort. If the throat or respiratory problem is diagnosed early enough the doctor may be able to treat the infection with antibiotics. This could prevent the infection from spreading to the middle ear. If the ear is already inflamed and painful the antibiotics can help reduce pain and destroy bacteria so the condition doesn’t get worse. It may be necessary to change antibiotic treatment after the first two or three days, if the condition doesn’t respond to the initial treatment.

In some cases, children suffer repeated problems with otitis media and should probably be seen by a specialist (ear, nose and throat). This specialist may choose to drain the inner ear. Advanced methods may be necessary to relieve pressure on the eardrum, a condition that will usually cause extreme pain.

In addition to initial antibiotic treatment and draining as described above, doctors may use antibiotic drops. If none of these methods produce relief, the specialist may want to discuss surgery. This is only necessary in cases where the pain is severe and the middle ear has been damaged, producing scar tissue.

Surgeons remove scar tissue and infected tissue to eliminate the possibility of further infection. During surgery the specialist may try to “create” a functioning middle ear. The eardrum may even be replaced in severe cases. To avoid advanced cases such as this it is important to treat otitis media immediately – as soon as you suspect any ear problems.