ear, nose, and throat disorders
Otitis Media (Acute)
Introduction
Acute otitis media is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear. Acute otitis media often occurs in people with a cold or allergies. The infected ear is painful. Doctors examine the eardrum to make the diagnosis. Certain routine childhood vaccinations can reduce the risk of acute otitis media. The infection is sometimes treated with antibiotics. Acute otitis media results from infection by viruses or bacteria, often as a complication of the common cold or of allergies. Although acute otitis media can occur at any age, it is most common between the ages of 3 months and 3 years. Acute otitis media often occurs during this age range because structures in the middle ear (such as the The Eustachian Tube: Keeping Air Pressure Equal ) are immature and function less efficiently than in adults. Symptoms and treatment are similar in adults and older children (for acute otitis media in younger children, see Conditions that increase the risk of otitis media (risk factors) include Living in a household where people smoke Having many relatives who have had otitis media Living in an area with heavy air pollution Being bottle fed, rather than breastfed Being in a day care center Rarely, bacterial otitis media spreads to nearby structures such as the mastoid bone behind the ear ( Mastoiditis ) or the inner ear. Spread into the brain is extremely rare, but some people develop 