Which of the following symptoms is most common in patients with otitis media?
|
In an ear infection, narrow tubes that run from the middle ear to high in the back of the throat (eustachian tubes) can become swollen and blocked. This can lead to mucus build-up in the middle ear. This mucus can become infected and cause ear infection symptoms. Show
An ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Because ear infections often clear up on their own, treatment may begin with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Sometimes, antibiotics are used to clear the infection. Some people are prone to having multiple ear infections. This can cause hearing problems and other serious complications. Products & Services
SymptomsThe onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid. ChildrenSigns and symptoms common in children include:
AdultsCommon signs and symptoms in adults include:
When to see a doctorSigns and symptoms of an ear infection can indicate several conditions. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Call your child's doctor if:
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inboxSign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. A middle ear infection, more correctly referred to as a middle ear inflammation, happens when a virus or bacteria causes the area behind the eardrum to become inflamed. This condition is also known as otitis media and is most common in children. According to theNational Library of Medicine, middle ear inflammations occur in 80 percent of children by the time they reach age 3. Most middle ear inflammations occur during the winter and early spring. Middle ear inflammations usually go away without any medication. However, you should seek medical treatment if pain persists or you have a fever. What are the types of middle ear inflammations?There are two types of middle ear inflammations: acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME). Acute otitis mediaThis type of ear infection comes on quickly and is accompanied by swelling and redness in the ear behind and around the eardrum. Fever, ear pain, and hearing impairment often occur as a result of trapped purulent fluid or mucous behind the eardrum. Otitis media with effusion (OME)After an infection goes away, mucous and fluid will sometimes continue to build up in the middle ear. This may also occur as a result of a cold or other conditions, like cleft palate. This can cause the feeling of the ear being full and affect your ability to hear clearly. What causes a middle ear inflammation?There are several reasons children get middle ear inflammations. They often stem from a prior infection of the respiratory tract that spreads to the ears. When the tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx (eustachian tube) is blocked, fluid will collect behind the eardrum. Bacteria will often grow in the fluid, causing pain and inflammation. What are the symptoms of a middle ear inflammation?There are a variety of symptoms associated with middle ear inflammations. Some of the most common include:
How do doctors diagnose middle ear inflammations?A doctor will make sure they have your child’s medical history and perform a physical examination. During the exam, the doctor will look at the outer ear and eardrum using an instrument called an otoscope to check for redness, swelling, pus, and fluid. Adults are usually much better at describing their symptoms in words than kids. Complications are the same for both adults and children, as is treatment. The doctor might also conduct a test called tympanometry to determine whether the middle ear is working properly and if OME is present. For this test, a device is put inside your ear canal, changing the pressure and making the eardrum vibrate. The test measures changes in vibration and records them on a graph. This will show the presence of fluid but not whether the fluid is infected. A doctor will interpret the results. What is the best way to treat a middle ear inflammation?There are a number of ways to treat otitis media. Acute otitis media may be treated with antibiotics, but OME is not typically accompanied by infection, so antibiotics are not helpful or necessary. A doctor will base treatment on your child’s age, health, and medical history. Doctors will also consider the following:
Depending on the severity of the infection, a doctor may tell you that the best option is to treat the pain and wait to see if symptoms go away. Ibuprofen or another fever and pain reducer is a common treatment. Symptoms lasting more than 3 days usually mean a doctor will recommend antibiotics. However, antibiotics will not cure an infection if it’s caused by a virus. What are the complications associated with middle ear inflammations?Complications resulting from otitis media are rare but can occur. These complications include:
How can I prevent middle ear inflammation?There are ways to lower your child’s risk of getting ear inflammations:
The American Osteopathic Association also recommends nursing your baby, if possible, since it can help reduce the incidence of middle ear inflammations. Which of the following symptoms is common with acute otitis media?Acute otitis media.
This middle ear infection occurs abruptly causing swelling and redness. Fluid and mucus become trapped inside the ear, causing the child to have a fever and ear pain.
What is the symptoms of otitis media?Acute otitis media
This type of ear infection comes on quickly and is accompanied by swelling and redness in the ear behind and around the eardrum. Fever, ear pain, and hearing impairment often occur as a result of trapped purulent fluid or mucous behind the eardrum.
What is the most common complication of otitis media?In our study, mastoiditis was the most common extracranial complication of acute otitis media, followed by facial palsy and labyrinthitis.
Which of the following is the most likely cause of otitis media?The most common bacterial pathogen in AOM is Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis. These three organisms are responsible for more than 95% of all AOM cases with a bacterial etiology.
|
