Inflammation of the Middle Ear
Middle ear inflammation, or otitis media, is an infection that is usually caused by bacteria or viruses in the middle ear, especially in the back cavity of the eardrum where the bones of the ear are located. hear. Children have a higher risk of inflammation of the middle ear than adults.
Inflammation of the middle ear usually causes pain due to swelling and accumulation of fluid in the middle ear. Treatment can begin by reducing pain and continuing to monitor the progress of the healing process. If this infection occurs continuously, the long-term risk is difficulty hearing and other serious complications.
Additional explanation
The symptoms
In general, symptoms in adult patients are as follows:
- Earache
- Ear fluid
- Hearing disorders
For pediatric patients, the following symptoms usually occur:
- Pain in the ear, especially when lying down
- Frequently pulling or scratching ears
- Hard to sleep
- Cry often
- Behave more obediently
- Difficulty hearing or responding to sounds
- Lost balance
- Fever (above 38 ° C)
- Ear fluid
- Headache or vertigo
- Loss of appetite
The cause
Middle ear inflammation is usually caused by bacteria or viruses that infect the middle ear. This infection is usually a continuation of other diseases, such as colds and allergies that cause blockage of the airways, throat, and Eustachian tubes (tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose).
The following factors affect the risk of middle ear inflammation:
age
Children 6 months to 2 years are the most susceptible to inflammation of the middle ear because the immune system has not fully formed
School and daycare
Children who attend school or are placed with other children are at higher risk of developing middle ear inflammation than those who live at home due to increased exposure to bacteria and bacteria. disease.
Milk consumption as a baby
Infants who drink bottled milk, especially when lying down, have a higher risk than babies who breastfeed directly.
Seasonal Conditions
Middle ear infections are more common during the rainy season, when many are confiscated.
Air quality
Exposure to cigarette smoke or contaminated air can increase the risk of inflammation of the middle ear.
diagnosis
The doctor will start with anamnesis (interview) by asking about the symptoms that are felt. Other physical examinations can be carried out, including:
- Check the condition of the ear, throat and nose with an otoscope.
- Examination of respiratory diseases using a stethoscope.
- Examination of tympanometry by ENT specialists to detect the presence of fluid in the middle ear, bone stiffness and negative pressure in the middle ear by inserting pieces in the ear cavity to allow sound waves to detect this condition.
- Examination of acoustic reflectometry by ENT specialists to detect the presence of fluid in the middle ear by examining the number of sound waves from the probe reflected by the eardrum.
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