What is Otitis Media?

Description of the disease

Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, which is most often caused by an infection. This condition is common in children, but can also occur in adults.

Classification

• Acute otitis media
• Chronic otitis media

Symptoms

Symptoms of otitis media may include ear pain, discharge of fluid from the ear, hearing loss, irritability.

Causes

The main cause of otitis media is a bacterial or viral infection that penetrates the ear through the respiratory tract.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of otitis media is carried out by examining the ear, as well as audiometry to assess hearing.

Treatment

Treatment of otitis media may include taking antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as procedures to remove purulent fluid from the ear.

Prevention

Prevention of otitis media includes proper ear care, vaccination against infections that can lead to otitis, avoiding passive smoking.

Doctor

Otolaryngologist treats otitis media.