Acute otitis media.

Acute otitis media is inflammation of the ear. Media refers to the location in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. Acute because symptoms appear quickly in a few hours.

The eardrum is a membrane that separates the auditory canal from the rest of the ear. It is also called tympanic membrane.

Some symptoms.

Acute otitis media is common among those who, because of their age, have not yet learned to speak. It should be suspected when they cry more than usual, rub or pull their ears, do not sleep well or are very irritable. When they speak they can say that their ears hurt.

In many cases they will have a fever. Sometimes, you can see discharge from one or both ears. This is called otorrhea.

Not always an earache is due to a middle ear infection. It can also be related to other conditions.

Cause.

Children's colds inflame the nose. This inflammation is spread through the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube is a tube that connects the bottom of the nose with the middle ear.

That's where the germs that cause the infection arrive. These germs are viruses and bacteria. But, the vast majority of acute otitis media are of viral origin.

The infection causes pain. It also causes the appearance of fluid inside the middle ear. This makes you hear less and the ear can not be aerated.

Diagnosis.

In general, the consultation may take 24 hours. It is not necessary to go urgently. This time may clarify the symptoms better. Meanwhile, it can relieve pain and fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

At the consultation, they will examine the inside of the ears. For this, otoscopes are used. They are devices with built-in light that introduce a small cone in the outer hole of the ear.

They have a magnifying glass that allows the image of the eardrum to be enlarged. It may cause some discomfort. But it is not a painful exploration. Sometimes you have to clean the outer ear wax to visualize it well.

The reddened and domed eardrum indicates infection. The presence of fluid or pus reduces its mobility.

It can be treated.

The majority of acute otitis media are viral. Therefore, treatment with paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually sufficient.

The evolution will be observed in the following days. The vast majority are resolved in a few days without sequelae.

Some advices.

Applying dry heat to the ear can help reduce pain.
Also take care of nasal hygiene. It is preferable to suck the mucus instead of blowing loudly.
Avoid getting water in the ear if it has otorrhea.
Sudden changes in atmospheric pressure will increase pain: avoid air travel or climb mountain passes.

The great majority of otitis that resolve well will be reviewed after 2 or 3 months. It will be checked that the ear has returned to normal. Only exceptionally an acute otitis media leaves sequels. These are usually hearing loss or perforation of the eardrum.

Can ear infections be prevented?

There is evidence that the following factors help prevent them:

Breastfeeding decreases the risk of ear infections.

If they take the bottle, especially babies under 2 years, do not do so in a lying position.

They should not be in spaces where they smoke.