Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)

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Middle ear infections can occur at any age, but they are more common in preschool children.

Middle ear infection is a serious ear condition that causes severe symptoms. If acute otitis media is not treated, it can become chronic. It is most common in children aged 3-6, and it becomes less frequent after the age of 7. In young children, the short and wide Eustachian tube between the back of the nose and the ear, which provides ventilation to the ear, is an important factor in the development of ear infections. The entry of foreign material into the middle ear in children who are bottle-fed while lying down and nasal congestion due to frequent upper respiratory tract infections are also reasons for ear infections. Children who have had ear infections should undergo detailed ENT examinations for adenoid and tonsil problems.

Patients usually consult a doctor with complaints of ear pain, fever, and a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear. Ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and hearing loss may also occur. In children, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and sometimes nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may be present. With drug treatment, significant improvement can be achieved, and the ear generally heals without problems. Sometimes complete recovery may take a few weeks. If the eardrum is perforated despite treatment, the symptoms usually regress rapidly. However, the perforated eardrum should be followed up. In children, a perforated eardrum usually closes quickly. During the healing process, care should be taken not to let water enter the ear, and efforts should be made to avoid catching a cold or flu. If necessary, appropriate antibiotic treatment, nasal decongestants, and pain relievers can be given in the treatment of acute otitis. Nasal sprays or drops are used for about 3-4 days. Antibiotics are used for an average of 7 days. The patient should be closely monitored in case of the possibility of developing complications. Various serious complications such as facial paralysis, mastoid abscess behind the ear, and meningitis can occur.

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Outer Ear Infections

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Outer ear infections are caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, often encountered in summer months from pools, seas, or dirty waters, and sometimes by fungi. Patients experience severe ear pain, ear discharge, hearing loss, itching, and, in advanced cases, swelling and redness in the ear. Sometimes, the patient may be unable to eat due to severe ear pain. If you have these complaints, you should consult an ENT specialist. In the treatment, the external ear canal should be cleaned with special suction devices, various medications should be used for dressing, and a treatment plan should be arranged with suitable ear drops and medications. Patients should protect their ears from water, and during showers, they should cover their ears with silicone plugs or cotton with Vaseline. Exposure to pool and sea water should be avoided until the infection regresses.

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