Otitis Media

Overview of Otis Media

Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. It's a common condition, particularly in young children, and can often clear up on its own within a few weeks without treatment.

Otis media is most commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, but may also be caused by allergies, smoking, and exposure to air pollution. Symptoms of otitis media include earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, discharge of fluid from the ear, and temporary hearing loss. Diagnosis usually involves an examination of the eardrum and a swab from the ear to test for infection.

Treatment of Otis Media

Treatment for otitis media depends on the cause and severity of the condition. For mild cases, a doctor may suggest waiting to see if the symptoms improve with time. In more severe cases, treatment may include antibiotics, steroid ear drops to reduce inflammation, or a combination of both. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair a perforated eardrum or to remove ear fluid.

Prevention of Otitis Media

There are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing otitis media. Here are some tips:

• Wash hands regularly to reduce the risk of transmission of infection.
• Get vaccinated. Certain vaccines can help decrease the risk of contracting infections that may lead to otitis media.
• Avoid smoking or being around smoke.
• Breastfeed your baby for at least six months to reduce the risk of otitis media.
• Reduce your child's exposure to air pollution.