What is Otitis Media?
Otitis media is the infection and inflammation of the middle ear. The middle ear is the air-filled space that lies behind our ear drums. It houses our bones of hearing – malleus, incus and the stapes. It is connected to the back of our nose by the Eustachian tube.At Ascent ENT Specialty Center, our specialists offer advanced care for Otitis Media, helping patients manage pain, fluid buildup, and recurrent infections.If your child experiences frequent ear infections or hearing issues, consult a trusted ENT doctor in Dubai to diagnose and treat Otitis Media effectively.
Otitis Media Physical Exam Findings
Otitis media is said to be acute, if the duration of symptoms is short and not longer than 1 week. The common symptoms seen in children include – Severe earache (typically worse at night), blocked ear, fever. It is usually associated with a cold or stuffy nose. Parents are usually distressed when their child suddenly wakes up at night screaming in pain. If the ear drum bursts open, ear discharge is seen.An experienced ear doctor plays a crucial role in identifying Otitis Media symptoms early and preventing complications like hearing loss or chronic infections.
Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Parent’s Guide
A cold, an allergic rhinitis or an upper respiratory infection is the usual cause for an Acute Otitis media. These conditions affect the function of the Eustachian tube whic normally helps to clear the secretions of the middle ear. When this tube gets blocked, pus and infected fluids can build up in the middle ear causing bulging of the ear drum, which causes severe pain.
Recurrent episodes of Acute Otitis Media is usually caused by Allergic rhinitis and enlarged adenoids. Children with Down’s syndrome have poorly functioning Eustachian tubes which can cause recurrent ear aches.
Otitis Media Treatment Guidelines: ENT-Recommended Approach
What can be done at home?
When a child suddenly starts complaining of severe earache at home, a parent can give some Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to relieve the pain, If the child has blocked nose, Salt water nasal sprays or nose drops should be given to decongest the nose. If the pain does not reduce with these steps or if it recurs, it is better to consult a Specialist ENT.
Treatment usually involves medicines for nasal decongestion and pain relief medicines. Antibiotics are sometimes advised by the specialists in case of severe infections.
If timely treatment is not given to a child, Acute Otitis media can result in the perforation of eardrums. Usually small perforations heal naturally over time in children.Looking for reliable care? Visit our ENT clinic in Dubai for expert assessment and treatment of Otitis Media in both children and adults.Persistent ear pain or fluid discharge may indicate Otitis Media—get it checked by a skilled ear doctor in Dubai before it worsens.
Otitis Media Surgery: When Is It Needed?
Some children develop large perforations which do not heal and can progress to Chronic Otitis media with recurrent episodes of ear discharge and hearing loss. These children may need surgical treatment to close their ruptured ear drums.The best ENT doctor in Dubai can offer specialized care for Otitis Media, from medical management to surgical options for chronic cases.