OM is a common chronic ear disease of children, especially infants. The disease is most common among children between the ages of six months and two years. However, adults and older children can also have OM. It is usually a result of infection with a bacteria or a virus. The symptoms of OM include pain and swelling of the eardrum. They may also cause hearing loss. In severe cases, a hole may form in the eardrum. Fortunately, most cases of OM resolve on their own.
Some children develop a condition called chronic otitis media with effusion (CSOM), which is a chronic form of OM that is not cured with usual treatments. In this condition, a hole forms in the eardrum and fluid builds up in the middle ear. This fluid causes temporary hearing loss and makes the child more susceptible to future ear infections. However, CSOM does not have the same symptoms as acute otitis media.
Acute otitis media is an ear infection that is caused by a virus or bacteria. The infection can be caused by the virus or bacteria, and symptoms are similar to the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. The virus usually begins to enter the nasopharynx, where it initiates an inflammatory response. The inflammation of the nasopharynx leads to swelling of the eardrum, causing pain and discomfort. The pus that forms in the middle ear is also an important cause of pain and discomfort.
An acute ear infection usually clears on its own, but can persist for a few weeks. A child with chronic otitis media with effusion should be seen by a doctor to prevent a more serious situation. If the infection is severe, the healthcare provider may recommend medications to relieve the pain. They may also recommend a ventilation tube (ventilator) to improve the ventilation of the ear. This tube is placed in the tympanic membrane during a short operation under general anesthesia. This tube helps prevent the infection from spreading and is usually a safe option for children. If the infection does not clear within a few days, the healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics.
The incidence of OM has decreased over the past decade. This decrease may be attributed to the introduction of clinical guidelines that emphasize judicious use of antibiotics and accurate diagnosis. However, the burden of OM is still heavy, especially in developing countries. In low-income countries, suppurative complications of AOM are a serious health hazard. These complications are associated with a high rate of mortality. These complications may lead to hearing loss and developmental delay.
Acute otitis media (AOM) is an infection of the middle ear that is caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include fever, pain, and swelling of the eardrum. It is treated with antibiotics for seven to ten days. Some children respond well to antibiotics and do not require further treatment. Others do not respond as well, and may require antibiotics for longer periods of time.