Otitis Media | A respiratory Disorder | Causes, symptoms and treatment

OTITIS MEDIA Acute otitis media (AOM) is a painful type of ear infection. It occurs when the area behind the eardrum called the middle ear becomes inflamed and infected. The eustachian tube is the tube that runs from the middle of the ear to the back of the throat. An AOM occurs when your child’s eustachian tube becomes swollen or blocked and traps fluid in the middle ear. The trapped fluid can become infected. In young children, the eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal than it is in older children and adults. This makes it more likely to become infected. Although AOM is a common condition in young children, it can affect all age groups, Bacterial infection of the middle ear results from nasopharyngeal organisms migrating via the eustachian tube. The anatomy of the eustachian tube in younger children is immature, typically being short, straight, wide (only becoming more oblique as the child grows), meaning infection is more likely. The eustachian tube can become swollen or blocked for several reasons: • allergies • a cold • the flu • a sinus infection • a nasal pharyngeal blockage due to upper respiratory infection • cigarette smoke • drinking while laying down (in infants) Symptoms The onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid. Children Signs and symptoms common in children include: • Ear pain, especially when lying down • Tugging or pulling at an ear • Trouble sleeping • Crying more than usual • Fussiness • Trouble hearing or responding to sounds • Loss of balance • Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher • Drainage of fluid from the ear • Headache • Loss of appetite Adults Common signs and symptoms in adults include: • Ear pain • Drainage of fluid from the ear • Trouble hearing #AcuteOtitisMedia