Acute otitis media is common in infancy and childhood. Three out of four children experience otitis media by the time they are 3 years old. In fact, ear infection is the most common illness in babies and young children.

By: Dr. Brett Hodge

What is otitis media?
Otitis media is an ear infection that usually occurs when viruses and / or bacteria get inside the ear and cause infection. It may result from other illnesses such as a cold. The infection may affect one or both ears at the same time. There are two main types of otitis media. Acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion (fluid). In this type fluid remains trapped in the ear even after the infection is over. This fluid might affect hearing.

How do you know when your child has otitis media?
It is not always easy to tell if your child has otitis media. If your child is not old enough to talk or say that his or her ear hurts, you need to look for other signs. Pain in the ear is a common symptom of otitis media. Other signs and symptoms include the following:
• The child pulls or tugs at his/her ear
• Crying more than usual
• Fluid draining from ear
• Difficulty hearing
• Child not responding to quiet sounds
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• Fever

Treatment
If you suspect that your child has an ear infection, you should take the child to the doctor who will exam the ear. Your doctor will be able to tell you if your child has an ear infection and whether the child needs antibiotics. The majority of acute otitis media cases are self-limiting.
Antibiotics only work against bacteria. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses which are a common cause of otitis media. Your doctor may also prescribe pain killers.
Medicines such as antihistamines and decongestants do not help in the prevention or treatment of otitis media. Eardrops have not been proven to be effective in the treatment of otitis media. Surgery is usually not required but in a few cases, that have not responded to treatment, surgery might be required. Myringotomy involves having small tubes placed inside the ear. This is often done by a specialist doctor called an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat surgeon).

What are the complications of ear infections?
Perforation of the eardrum can occur. This can result in infections of the brain which can be very serious for the child. Chronic serous otitis media can also develop as a complication of otitis media. In a few cases, deafness may occur.

Conclusion
Otitis media is a common illness in children less than three years of age and is a common cause of fever, as well, in this age group. The causative agents are usually viruses and bacteria. Although most cases are self-limited, antibiotics are usually required when the causative agents are bacterial in origin. Parents need to be alert and pay special attention to signs and symptoms that are suggestive of an ear infection. The child should be taken to a doctor who will be able to make the correct diagnosis and recommend the correct treatment options.

Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr. Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty years in clinical practice. Dr. Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.

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