Symptoms of otitis media – Otitis media is an inflammation that lies behind the eardrum. Young children are not the only victims of this infection often very painful. Otitis media is an infection of the bone cavity located behind the eardrum. This cavity is connected to the nasal cavity by the eustachian tube, which can become clogged with a cold for example, or in case of allergy (allergic rhinitis). The ear is less well ventilated, inflammation can develop, it is otitis media. Otitis media often affects young children because their Eustachian tube is thinner and a more horizontal position, but it can also affect adults.
Symptoms of otitis media in adults and children
Inflammation of the middle ear is likely to give the same symptoms in children and adults. The difference is more restricted mode of expression for young children. Thus one can distinguish complaints of child symptoms described by adults. Children usually have difficulty in one ear or both ears typically, only one is affected. The child puts his hand to his ear. He hears and reacts badly to some soft sounds. Conjunctivitis is often associated with otitis media. Finally, the child may have fever, a sometimes fluid flows from his ear and often lack of appetite. Infants, irritable, they cry more. The adult, he describes a throbbing pain at the infected ear. It also intends to less well described and a sensation of plugged ear, and ringing. It is the purpose of dizziness, loss of balance and dizziness. Sometimes a yellowish discharge from the ear indicates a perforated eardrum. The adult is experiencing a general malaise: fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability … Otitis media is often accompanied by high fever. Finally, a classic: a cold often precedes otitis media.
Prevents an ear infection and otitis media
- Hygiene, especially hand washing, is a preventive basis. This prevents colds, common cause of otitis media.
- Do not smoke and avoid polluted areas to protect his ears irritants.
- Identify any food allergies.
- Treating allergic rhinitis.
It is noteworthy that also in children, some changes in the environment (hygiene, tobacco …) are already contributing effectively to limit the risk of otitis media.