Otitis Media (cont.)
What are the goals of chronic otitis media surgery?
The goals of surgery are to first remove all of the infected tissue so that it can be "safe" from recurrent infections. The second goal is to recreate a middle ear space with an intact eardrum. Finally, hearing is to be restored. This may seem strange that hearing is the last priority, but if the first two priorities are not met, anything that is done to improve hearing will ultimately fail. If hearing is restored, but the infection returns, the hearing will be lost again. Likewise, if hearing is restored, but the middle ear space is not recreated, the eardrum will re-stick to the middle ear or the ossicles.
What is serous otitis media?
Serous otitis media is inflammation in the middle ear without
infection. Typically, the Eustachian tube is not functioning and
cannot ventilate the ear normally. As a result, fluid accumulates in
the middle-ear. This can lead to a dullness or fullness within the
ear along with diminished hearing.
What limitations are there on a child with otitis media?
Otitis media is not contagious (although the initial cold that
caused it may be). A child with otitis media can travel by airplane
but, if the Eustachian tube is not working well, the pressure change
as the plane descends may cause the child pain. It is best not to fly
(or swim) with a draining ear. You should always consult your physician if you have specific concerns.
Otitis Media At A Glance
- Otitis media is the most common diagnosis in sick children in the
U.S.
- Otitis media is an infection and inflammation of the middle ear.
- Otitis media causes fluid buildup in the middle ear.
- A cold or other respiratory infection can lead to otitis
media.
- Exposure to other children's colds, as in daycare, raises the
risk.
- Bottle-feeding increases the risk of otitis
media in babies.
- Otitis media features fever, ear pain and fullness, as well as
fussiness and feeding problems in young children.
- Middle ear pus causes pain and temporary hearing loss.
- Rupture of the eardrum allows the pus to drain into the ear
canal.
- Otitis media is treated with observation, antibiotics, or ear tubes.
Previous contributing author: James K. Bredenkamp, MD, FACS
Reference: PEDIATRICS Vol. 113 No. 5 May 2004, pp. 1451-1456
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2008
- amoxicillin, Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox - Learn more about amoxicillin, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
- Ear Tubes - Learn about ear tubes (myringotomy), a procedure that allows ventilation in the middle ear. Pre-surgery, during surgery, post surgery, and follow-up information is included.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes - Read about swollen lymph nodes what causes them. Causes include infection, inflammation, or cancer. Swollen lymph nodes are not always a sign of disease.
Latest Medical News
Hearing RSS