Otitis Media with Effusion: Inflammation in the Middle Ear
In medical parlance, otitis media with effusion is a condition where there is inflammation and fluid in the middle ear, which usually affects children. However, this is not a serious condition; it usually goes away after a few weeks. Generally, otitis media does not require antibiotics or painkillers, except if the fluid does not go away.
Children suffering from otitis media with effusion may experience any of these symptoms. They may feel fullness in their ears or experience muffled hearing. These conditions may be accompanied by pain and discomfort, which may cause irritability, fever and/or headaches. Some children may also experience difficulty falling asleep.
Otitis media with effusion is caused by the buildup of fluid in the middle ear. Like the nose, the middle ear also produces its own fluid. The eustachian tube is one that connects the middle ear to the nose. This tube normally drains the fluid out of the middle ear. However, if the eustachian tube becomes inflamed and swollen due to bacterial infection, the glands near the ear (adenoid) becomes enlarged, blocking the eustachian tube.
With the eustachian tube blocked, the fluid in the middle ear cannot drain normally. As a result, bacteria will start to build up in the middle ear, causing inflammation and infection. As the pressure behind the eardrum increases, it will result in pain and discomfort. Moreover, the eardrum will start to bulge and become red. If this occurs, contact your physician and ask for painkillers and/or antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection.
