Otitis Media
(Middle Ear Infection or Inflammation)
Medical Author: David Perlstein, MD FAAP
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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OTC Remedies for Ear Infections
Medical Author: Dennis S. Phillips, MD
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
 Viewer Asks: Are there any over-the-counter remedies for a child with an ear infection?
Dr. Phillips Answers: While there exist over-the-counter (OTC) remedies and medications that can alleviate the pain and symptoms of an ear infection, there are no OTC measures that kill the bacteria in the middle ear space that actually cause the infection. The "feel better" measures that work the best are oral pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or oral pain/antiinflammatory medications, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Topical anesthetic drops are also available that are applied into the ear canal and basically numb the inflamed ear drum from the outside. But since the infection is caused by bacteria in the middle ear space on the other side of the eardrum, nothing applied externally can help kill the bacteria through the intact eardrum.
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What is otitis media?
Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. "Otitis" means inflammation of the ear, and
"media" means middle. This inflammation often begins with infections that cause sore throats, colds or other respiratory problems, and spreads to the middle ear. These can be caused by viruses or bacteria, and can be acute or chronic.
Acute otitis media is usually of rapid onset and short duration. Acute otitis media is typically associated with fluid accumulation in the middle ear together with signs or symptoms of ear infection; a bulging eardrum usually accompanied by pain, or a perforated eardrum, often with drainage of purulent material (pus). Fever can be present.
Chronic otitis media is a persistent inflammation of the middle ear, typically for a minimum of a month. This is in distinction to an acute ear infection (acute otitis media) that usually lasts only several weeks. Following an acute infection, fluid (an effusion) may remain behind the ear drum (tympanic membrane) for up to
three months before resolving. Chronic otitis media may develop after a prolonged period of time with fluid (effusion) or negative pressure behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
Chronic otitis media can cause ongoing damage to the middle ear and eardrum
and there may be continuing drainage through a hole in the eardrum. Chronic otitis media often starts painlessly without fever. Ear pressure or popping can be persistent for months. Sometimes a subtle loss of hearing can be due to chronic otitis media.
How common is acute otitis media?
Otitis media is the most common diagnosis in sick children in the U.S. It is estimated that 75% of all children experience at least one episode before the age of three.
Next: Why do young children tend to have ear infections? »
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Otitis Media
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What is "swimmer's ear" or acute external otitis?
External otitis or "swimmer's ear" is an infection of the skin covering the outer ear and ear canal. Acute external otitis is commonly a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas types of bacteria. The swimmer's ear infection is usually caused by excessive water exposure. When water collects in the ear canal (frequently trapped by wax), the skin will become soggy and serve as an inviting culture media for bacteria. Cuts or abrasions in the lining of the ear canal (for example, from cotton swab injury) can also predispose to bacterial infection of the ear canal.
What are the symptoms of swimmer's ear?
The first symptom of infection is that the ear will feel full, and it may itch. Next, the ear canal will swell and ear drainage will follow. At this stage the ear will be very painful, especially with movement of the outside portion of the e...
Read the Swimmer's Ear article »
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