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Acute Otitis Media (middle ear infection)
Middle ear infections usually affect children although adults are not exempt. The usual source is an ascending infection from the nasopharynx up the Eustachian tube. The source of infection could be from an isolated upper respiratory tract or sinus infection or from recurrent tonsillitis and adenoiditis.
The main symptoms are pain and deafness. Constitutional symptoms such as fever, lethargy and poor appetite are also common. Examination reveals a red, bulging eardrum (Figure 1). If the infection is not adequately or promptly treated, the build up of pus in middle ear can rupture through the eardrum into the external ear canal. The patient will experience discharge with relief of pain. The perforation usually heals spontaneously when appropriate treatment is instituted.
Treatment consists of oral antibiotics and pain relief. If effective, symptoms subside within 48 to 72 hours. If symptoms do not subside or worsen, a myringotomy (cut in the eardrum) is performed to drain the infection.
Related Links - http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/otitismedia.asp
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