OM is often caused by a middle ear bacterial or viral infection, filling the mastoid space behind the eardrum with fluid. It is common in children, due to several causes, including: The eustachian tube (a tube that runs from the middle of the ear to the back of the throat) is short, carrying viruses and bacteria through the nose or pharynx to middle ear, which causes otitis. Compared to adults, children are immunodeficient; making them more vulnerable to infectious diseases.
First Type: Acute Otitis Media (AOM) This can be associated with a viral or bacterial infection. It may be related to viral upper respiratory or nasal cavity infection. AOM symptoms usually clear up by treating the infection. Second Type: otitis media with effusion (OME) It is mainly caused when fluid, called an effusion, becomes trapped behind the eardrum, for some reasons, including: The Eustachian tube is blocked due to viral upper respiratory infection, effusion and fluid trapped behind the eardrum. The Eustachian tube does not function properly, usually due to cleft throat, frequent cold or sudden exposure to air pressure. Third Type: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM): It is associated with delayed treatment of Acute Otitis cases. This leads to accumulation of fluid and effusions for two weeks or more behind the eardrum, which could drain out from one's ear.
OM is diagnosed based on reported symptoms. Preferably, a doctor would examine the ear with an otoscope, in addition to:
Recurrent infection and accumulation of fluids may lead to dangerous complications:
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