Otitis

Middle ear infection: description

One speaks of a middle ear inflammation (otitis media), if the mucous membrane of the tympanic cavity is inflamed. There are different types of otitis media. Duration and frequency are the decisive criteria here:

• Acute otitis media (acute otitis media): A sudden onset of inflammation with typical symptoms and findings in the Ohrspiegelung.
• Recurrent otitis media: At least three middle ear infections within six months, or at least four in one year.
• Chronic otitis media (chronic otitis media): At least two months of existing inflammation. Outflow and rupture of the eardrum often occur concomitantly.

The reason for this inflammation is often a common cold of the nasopharynx. Therefore, the otitis media occurs frequently between December and March. The pathogens (especially bacteria) reach via the connection between the throat and the middle ear – the Eustachian tube – in the tympanic cavity and cause the inflammation there.

In rare cases, pathogens can reach the middle ear via the external auditory canal, for example over polluted bath water. This is only possible if the eardrum is torn.

Viruses can reach the tympanic cavity via the blood and cause otitis media.

Middle ear infection: toddler

Children are particularly susceptible to otitis media. More about the inflammation in toddlers read in the article otitis media – toddler.

Middle ear infection: symptoms

You can read more about the signs of otitis media in the article Otitis Media – Symptoms.

Middle ear infection: causes and risk factors

The cause of otitis media is often a cold sneeze of the nasopharynx. Therefore, the otitis media occurs frequently between December and March. The pathogens (especially bacteria) reach via the connection between the throat and the middle ear – the Eustachian tube – in the tympanic cavity in the middle ear and cause the inflammation there.

In rare cases, pathogens can reach the middle ear via the external auditory canal, for example over polluted bath water. This is only possible if the eardrum is torn.

Viruses can reach the tympanic cavity via the blood and cause otitis media.

Is middle ear infection contagious?

This question is raised above all by parents when playmates of their children suffer from otitis media. The Answer: There is no need to worry – a middle ear infection is usually not contagious.

Middle ear infection: examinations and diagnosis

In order to diagnose middle ear infection, your doctor will first ask you in detail about your medical history (medical history). He will ask you the following questions:

• Since when are you having those complaints?
• Have you had similar complaints before?
• Have you had a recent cold or did you have the flu?
• Can you hear worse in one ear?
• Does pus run out of her ear?

Subsequently, your doctor will examine you. For this he examines your ears with a so-called otoscope, an ear mirror with light source and magnifying glass. He can see the eardrum, which in case of otitis media is often bulging, heavily perfused and dull. There is sometimes a rupture in the eardrum, and a purulent fluid runs from the middle ear.

Middle ear infection: treatment

The treatment of otitis media is usually symptomatic. This means that the complaints are combated and not directly the cause. Among other things, this is because different pathogens can trigger otitis media and for example antibiotics are not effective against viruses and not every antibiotic helps against any type of bacteria.

First, therefore, in simple cases of otitis media, an analgesic treatment is initiated. For this, painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are given in tablet form or as juice. In addition to the analgesic effect, these drugs also reduce the fever.

Sensitive are also decongestant nose drops or sprays, because they improve the ventilation of the middle ear. In addition, so fluid that has formed by the inflammation in the middle ear, drain. Ear drops, on the other hand, do not help.

If no improvement occurs within one to two days, or if there is a severe otitis media, such as when both ears are affected, antibiotics are prescribed. Depending on the active ingredient, the treatment takes about seven days. It is important that you take the antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop treatment prematurely.

Air travel despite middle ear infection?

Many patients wonder if they should fly with a middle ear infection. Basically, this is not prohibited. Due to the swelling of the Eustachian tube, however, the pressure compensation is difficult. In particular, the pressure fluctuations during takeoff and landing can therefore cause pain. If you are unable to delay your flight, it is advisable to use decongestant nasal spray before take-off and landing. This helps to balance the pressure. In addition, you should have painkillers in order to be able to treat any complaints.

Middle ear infection: home remedies

Can one also do something with middle ear inflammation? Yes, with home remedies. Read more in the article otitis media – home remedies.

Otitis media: disease course and prognosis

As a rule, otitis media heals without consequences. After two to seven days, about 80 percent of patients are free of discomfort.

Sometimes, however, chronic middle ear infection develops or complications occur. The most common complication of otitis media is the inflammation of the mastoid (mastoiditis). It is part of the skull bone, is located directly next to the middle ear and is like this filled with air. In mastoiditis, the bone is often damaged, and the inflammation can pass to the meninges or the brain.

Furthermore, it can come mainly by repeated middle ear infections in infancy to a hearing loss and thus to a delay in speech development. An inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis) as a result of middle ear infection is possible.

So you prevent a middle ear infection

If you have recurring middle ear infections, it is advisable to consult an ear, nose and throat doctor. He can determine and treat the possible reason (for example, enlarged pharyngeal tonsils). In addition, a so-called Taukenröhrchen be used in the eardrum, which provides better ventilation of the middle ear.

To prevent renewed otitis media, patients should take long enough to eat plenty of water or tea. In addition, the home environment should be free of cigarette smoke. Also, colds should be prevented with appropriate behavior, as the most common reason for a Otitis are.