Otitis Media, also called Middle Ear Infection, is the most common type of ear infection. Otitis Media is an inflammation or infection located in the middle ear, which is the space behind the eardrum. It can occur as a result of a cold, sore throat or respiratory infection.

Approximately 3 out of 4 children have experienced an episode of Otitis Media at least once before they reach the age of 3. This condition can also affect adults, even though it is a major condition that occurs in children. Types of Otitis Media are Acute Otitis Media, Otitis Media with Effusion and Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion.

When the Eustachian tube (a canal that links the middle ear with the throat area) malfunctions, it prevents normal drainage of fluid from the middle ear. Thereby, leading to an accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum, facilitating the growth of bacteria and viruses in the ear. This then causes inflammation in the middle ear called Otitis Media.

Risk factors of Otitis Media are children living around smokers, family history of ear infections, a weak immune system, having a cold, being bottle-fed while the baby is lying on his or her back, spending time in daycare facilities and absence of breastfeeding.

Symptoms are ear pain, loss of appetite, sleeping difficulties, hearing difficulties, unusual irritability, tugging at one or both ears, fluid draining from the ears, loss of balance and fever.

The Laboratory Diagnosis by Microscopic Examination and Culture of ear swabs. Meanwhile, Otitis Media can be prevented by controlling allergies, preventing colds, breastfeeding babies properly, avoiding tobacco and smoking, vaccinations and bottle feeding at an upright angle.

Visit MedBioTechLab for laboratory tests to aid in the early diagnosis and management of middle ear infections.

References:

myclevelandclinic.org

wwwhopkinsmedicine.org