What is otitis media?

In fact, otitis media occurs when an infectious agent such as bacteria or virus enters the space behind the eardrum. The most important cause of middle ear infections is bacteria. The infection causes inflammation of the middle ear tissue. This type of infection can happen at any age. Children from the age of 6 to 15 years have the highest prevalence of this infection.

What are the causes of a middle ear infection?

Usually, a middle ear infection first appears as a cold, which is caused by a simple infection in the throat and nose. Then the infection advances in the eustachian tube and blocks its path. The mucous secretions of the ear are not drained for this reason. With the accumulation of middle ear mucous secretions, an ideal environment is created for the proliferation and growth of factors that cause infection.

If the adenoid, which is the soft tissue at the end of the mouth in the nasopharynx, also enlarges. This can cause the eustachian tube to close. Of course, if the adenoid is the cause of chronic or frequent middle ear infections, it can be removed from the body with a simple surgery.

In general, children suffer from middle ear infections more than other age groups because:

Eustachian tubes in children’s ears are smaller and narrower than in other age groups.
Adenoids in children are usually much larger than in adults

There are a number of conditions that increase the risk of middle ear infections. These conditions are as follows:

Cleft palate or having a cleft in the mouth; In this birth defect, an abnormal bone gap keeps the roof of the mouth open
suffering from Down syndrome.
Allergy and sinus infections are other causes of middle ear inflammation.
Ear pain
hearing loss
rise in temperature
Increased discharge from the ear

What role does the Eustachian canal play in middle ear infection?

The Eustachian canal has a great effect on the occurrence of middle ear infections and has a special similarity with musical instruments. This channel is actually a narrow channel. This duct connects the middle ear space to an area of the pharynx behind the nose.

The opening of the Eustachian canal in the nasopharynx area is opening or closing in a certain order. This opening and closing create a balanced and appropriate state in the following conditions:

Regulation of air pressure in the middle ear
Air conditioning in the middle ear space
Discharge of natural secretions from the middle ear into the pharynx

Symptoms of ear infection and ear pus in children

Ear infections are very painful. While babies or children cannot express their ear pain. But the common things that should be paid attention to are:

Fever
Shaking and pulling ears
Trouble sleeping
Discharge pus and liquid from the ear
Fatigue and nagging
unusual crying
Hearing problems

Diagnosis of otitis media

In order to diagnose this inflammation, a specialist doctor examines the inside of the ear through an otoscope, and also evaluates the signs and symptoms.

Tympanometry is a test in which the doctor measures the air pressure inside the ear using a tool. The rupture of the eardrum is also determined with this test.

Audiometry is another test for the level of hearing.

In addition, a middle ear infection can damage to the bone behind the ear.

In rare cases, there will be a possibility of meningitis or temporary numbness of the face.

Treatment of otitis media

Since middle ear inflammation is associated with pain, the doctor first considers painkillers for the person.
And to reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages and the back of the throat, he prescribes nasal drops. Nasal drops keep the ear canals and Eustachian tubes open. Opening the airways also reduces the intensity of pain.

If bacteria are the cause of inflammation, the doctor will also prescribe antibiotics for the patient. Bacterial and viral infections are usually difficult to distinguish from each other, which is why antibiotic treatment is often effective.

How to Sleep for People with ear infections
For people who suffer from ear infections, sleeping in a sitting position instead of lying down can help drain the fluid in the ear. This resting position can reduce the pain and pressure caused by these infections. If you don’t have a suitable chair for sleeping at home, you can use a few pillows on your bed and raise your head and sleep in a sitting position.

If these infections remain untreated in the body, they can have unpleasant consequences for people. Among these consequences, we can mention the rare inflammation of the bone near the ear, hearing loss, perforation of the eardrum, meningitis, and paralysis of the facial nerve. In addition, it can cause damage to the part of the ear that helps maintain balance.

The best home remedy to reduce ear pain is to use a warm compress. A hot water bag can help reduce ear inflammation. They also can help to destroy pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.