EAR INFECTION (OTITIS MEDIA)

WHAT IS OTITIS MEDIA? WHAT IS AN EAR INFECTION?

Otitis media is inflammation or infection of your middle ear – located between the eardrum and the inner ear and includes the eustachian tubes. This area can become blocked with mucus, bacteria, or pus and an infection can develop.

Ear infections are more common in young children and infants, but can also occur in adults. They are also more common in the winter than any other time of year. While ear infections are not contagious, they sometimes develop after and as a result of a separate, contagious disease (such as a cold).

TYPES OF EAR INFECTIONS

Acute otitis media causes pain, fever, and difficulty in hearing.

Otitis media with effusion occurs when there is no longer an ear infection, but fluid remains in the middle ear.

SIGNS OF EAR INFECTION IN VERY YOUNG CHILDREN

Crying
Irritability
Pulling on their ears
Trouble sleeping

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS

Buzzing, ringing, or another noise in the ears
Decreased hearing
Ear pain
Nasal congestion
Nasal discharge
Neck pain
Sore throat

SEVERE SYMPTOMS (FOR WHICH YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR THE SAME DAY)

Discharge from the ear – especially if it contains pus or blood
Severe ear pain

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF EAR INFECTION

Allergies
An infant being fed while lying on its back
Common cold
Exposure to smoke
Overgrown or infected tonsils (adenoids)

RISK FACTORS FOR EAR INFECTION

Attending daycare
Children from 6 months to 3 years old
Exposure to smoke
History of allergies, rhinitis
Recent illness (including a sinus infection or a cold)
Using a pacifier
When family members are prone to ear infections

TREATMENT FOR EAR INFECTION

Most ear infections go away on their own, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a “wait and see” approach during the three days after a patient develops symptoms. More complicated infections, or the presence of other risk factors in the patient’s history, may require immediate treatment with an antibiotic.

If your child experiences recurrent ear infections or otitis media with effusion (OME), your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure that removes fluid from the ear. This procedure may involve leaving tubes in the child’s ear to reduce the likelihood of future ear infections by facilitating drainage. This procedure is performed by an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT doctor).

EAR INFECTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do Allergies Cause Ear Infections?

Untreated allergies can result in an ear infection due to congestion and inflammation. It’s important to treat your allergies to prevent recurring ear infections.

Do I Need Antibiotics For An Ear Infection?

Antibiotics are often not needed for most ear infections because the body’s immune system can fight off the infection on its own. However, people with weaker immune systems may need antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, to treat severe cases right away or cases that last longer than a few days. Dr. Tamayev will determine if you antibiotics.

Can An Ear Infection Spread?

While most ear infections resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some ear infections can spread and lead to meningitis, brain abscess, and other neurological complications. Call Dr. Tamayev today for ongoing care with your ear, sinus, and allergy problems.

What Does An Ear Infection Look Like?

An infected ear looks red and swollen while a healthy one looks clear/pinkish-gray. Dr. Tamayev can determine if you have an ear infection by examining your eardrum with an otoscope, a flashlight with a magnifying lens.

SUMMARY

If you think you or your child may be experiencing an ear infection, Dr. Tamayev is here to help. Dr. T can find relief for your asthma, nasal & sinus problems, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms, respiratory and food allergies, & skin conditions. Dr. T has access to the latest testing and treatments, and sees both adult and pediatric (children) patients from all around NYC. Use the book online button below to schedule an appointment today!