Otitis Media

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear, encompassing acute suppurative (painful bulging TM/fever), secretory (effusion without acute infection, children), and chronic suppurative (persistent otorrhea/perforation). It is a common childhood condition. Treatment: pain control; oral antibiotics for acute suppurative; observation/topical drops/grommet for secretory; aural toilet/surgery for chronic; treat underlying rhinitis/Eustachian dysfunction.

Common Symptoms

Otalgia; fever; hearing loss/otorrhea; by type (acute/secretory/chronic); child predominance

Causes and Pathogenesis

Eustachian-tube dysfunction with bacterial/viral infection causes middle-ear inflammation/effusion.

Treatment

Pain control; antibiotics for acute; observation/grommet for secretory; aural toilet/surgery for chronic

Preventive Measures

Vaccination; treat rhinitis; avoid bottle-propping.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology/Pediatrics department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.