Again What is Middle Ear Infection and otitis media?

Acute otitis media is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear.

What is going on in the ear?
The three parts of the ear are the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasal cavity. The eustachian tube keeps equal ear pressure between the eardrum and the outside of the body. Any secretions formed in the middle ear flow into the nasal cavity through this tube. see a movie on ear infections

Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This inflammation often begins when infections that cause sore throats, colds, or other respiratory or breathing problems spread to the middle ear. These can be viral or bacterial infections. Seventy-five percent of children experience at least one episode of otitis media by their third birthday. Almost half of these children will have three or more ear infections during their first 3 years. It is estimated that medical costs and lost wages because of otitis media amount to $5 billion* a year in the United States. Although otitis media is primarily a disease of infants and young children, it can also affect adults. infact air travlers and divers suffer from it as well.

Otitis media often begins when a virus, such as the one that causes colds, enters the nose. The virus travels into the eustachian tube and causes it to swell. The virus can also travel up the eustachian tube to the middle ear. When the swollen tube does open, bacteria enter the tube and the middle ear. Bacteria multiply, causing an acute infection.

What are the causes and risks middle ear infection?

Otitis media is an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. The following children are at higher risk for this type of infection:
about %75 of childeran have otitis media.

• children in day care as they can transfer it easly.
• children under the age of 3 or 4 years where the ear cannal is short.
• children who live with smokers . smoking is bad for you any way...
• children who take bottles to bed
• children whose parents had childhood otitis media
• children with chronic allergies or sinusitis

Individuals who have very small or poorly functioning tubes are also at a higher risk for infections. Children with head and face abnormalities often have eustachian tube problems. This includes children with Down syndrome and cleft palate.

What are the treatments for ear infections and otitis media?

Up to 60% of cases of acute otitis heal without antibiotics. Antibiotics are generally used to reduce the symptoms, make the child more comfortable, and prevent serious complications.

befor using antibiotics try alternatives  ,The EARDOC is an efficient & proved non-invasive device that reduces the ear pain by treating the problem rather than the symptom. The eardoc significantly reduces the need for ear tube surgery (Myringotomy) by naturally opening the closed Ear tube and drying the trapped fluids.

Common antibiotics for ear infections include:
- amoxicillin
- amoxicillin combined with clavulanate
- azithromycin
- ceftriaxone
- cefuroxime
- clarithromycin
- erythromycin and sulfisoxazole
- trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole

If the child does not respond to the antibiotic, the dose may be increased or the antibiotic may be changed. If a child has repeated infections, surgery to insert ear tubes may be performed.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

Eardoc has no sid effects.

What happens after treatment ear infections?

If the infection has been properly treated, the fluid behind the eardrum usually goes away with time. As long as fluid is present, there will be some hearing loss. Once the fluid goes away, hearing will return to normal. If the fluid lasts for more than 3 months, it will probably not go away. The healthcare provider may recommend ear tube insertion at that time.

How  can you monitored ear infections  ?

The condition is mostly monitored by the child's symptoms. Some healthcare providers recommend a return visit after the antibiotics are gone. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

resorces: 24medica.com