For young children, especially during colds, middle ear inflammation, or otitis media, becomes an undoubted concern. The structure of the human ears includes the outer, middle and inner ear.

Layers of the Ear: From the outer ear to the inner ear

The outer ear is the only part of the ear visible to the eye. This includes the auricle and the external ear canal, ending with the eardrum. Behind the eardrum is the middle ear.

The middle ear is responsible for transmitting sounds. It contains the tympanic cavity, which houses microscopic sound bones. Sound waves that cause the eardrum to vibrate are transmitted through these ossicles into the ear.

Varieties of Otitis media: From external to internal.

Based on the anatomy and physiology of the ears, three types of otitis media are possible: otitis externa, otitis media and otitis interna.

Symptoms and Manifestations

The main symptom of otitis media is ear pain after a cold. In older children, the pain is usually enough for them to report it. Infants may become cranky, cry and refuse to eat because of pain that increases with swallowing. The pain can be of varying degrees of pressure, shooting or stabbing. It is often accompanied by ear stuffiness, decreased hearing, ear discharge, fever and general weakness.

Professional Otitis Media Treatment

Treatment of otitis media should be under the supervision of a doctor, in this case an otolaryngologist. He will diagnose and assess the severity of the disease. Otitis media is usually treated with antibiotics, in the form of syrups or tablets. Anesthetic drops and anti-inflammatory hormones may be used to relieve pain. Warming compresses, inhalations, and expectorant therapy may also be effective.

Caution

If the middle ear is inflamed and purulent, it is not recommended to use medication in the ear canal without a doctor's prescription.

Caring for Children with Otitis media

Recognizing the symptoms of otitis media in children is an important step to helping them. Professional medical intervention and adherence to doctor's orders and cautions will minimize negative effects and allow children to recover from middle ear inflammation more quickly.