Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media): What It is & Types?

By Medical Expert Team

Apr 24 , 2023 | 3 min read

Most prevalent in children, middle ear infection or otitis media can be defined as an infection that is caused by a virus or bacteria. This involves inflammation in the area behind the eardrum. The ailment is a result of a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection and mostly occur during the winter and early spring. Often, one does not need any medication for the same but if the pain persists for a long time or you have a fever then seeking medical assistance is a wise decision.

Treatment of otitis media is offered in almost all the best ENT hospitals in mumbai where an expert team of doctors offer a cutting-edge treatment with care, cure and convenience. In this blog, we will be providing detailed information about the middle ear infection with an aim to create awareness.

Types of middle ear infections

There are two types of middle ear infections:

1. Acute otitis media

This involves pain in the ear due to the inflammation and infection caused in the area behind the eardrum called the middle ear.

2. Otitis media with effusion

Also known as serous or secretory otitis media, otitis media with effusion is a collection of non-infected fluid that accumulates in the middle ear space. This can affect the ability to hear clearly due to the feeling of the ear being full.

When to see a doctor?

Symptoms of middle ear infection that you must be aware of:

Ear pain
Fever
Yellow, clear, or bloody discharge from the ears
Difficulty in sleeping
Loss of balance
Nausea and vomiting
Problems in hearing
Decreased appetite

Treatment of middle ear infection

Although middle ear infection does not require medication, however, if the pain is persistent then seeking doctor’s advice is necessary. The treatment depends on various factors like the child’s age, overall health, medical history, the severity of the infection and the ability of your child to tolerate antibiotics. Keeping all this in mind, the doctormay prescribe medicine, generally, ibuprofen or another fever and pain reducer will solve the purpose. If the symptoms last for more than three days than the doctor will recommend antibiotics. Nanavati Max super speciality Hospital is the hub for the best ENT specialists in Mumbai, India who use advanced technology and latest approaches with an aim to provide maximum precision, accuracy and safety.

Can ear infection be prevented?

There are certain tips that canbe used to prevent ear infection:

1. Prevent common colds and other illnesses

It is important that you teach your children to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly in order to avoid any infections. At the same time, stop them while they are sneezing openly as this can cause infection to others. Best children doctors always advice parents to make their children learn these few precautionary measures in order to stay away from diseases.

2. Avoid second hand smoke

A smoke-free environment is necessary to prevent infection. Make sure that no one smokes near you.

3. Breastfeed your baby

Best doctors often advise mothers to breast-feed their babies for at least six months as the milk contains antibodies that may offer protection from ear infections.

4. Get vaccinated in advance

Getting vaccinated in advance can prevent you from various serious ailments. That’s why doctors advice to get different types of vaccinations at the right time.

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Manohar Shaan (Head & Sr Consultant - ENT)

Dr. Manohar Shaan is Head and Senior Consultant, ENT at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. He has 34 years of experience in the field and has holds prestigious Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. He specialises in Cochlear Implants and has performed thousands of successful surgeries till date.