Question 1

what is otitis media?

Accepted Answer

Inflamation mid/ear: Otitis media is a broad term that includes various forms of inflamation of the middle ear. That space is like a cave in the skull, with the ear drum on one wall, a drain tube (eustacion tube) in the floor & another wall composed by the skull & the ear nerve. The walls make mucous which normally drains but can be trapped. Germs can feed on the trapped mucous & cause infection.

Question 2

what causes otitis media?

Accepted Answer

Some possibilities: An ear infection on the inner side if an eardrum is a middle ear infection (otitis media) and can start when a person gets congestion from allergies, colds, or sinusitis.  Natural moisture in the middle ear then has trouble leaving the middle ear, and becomes visible liquid (can often be seen as bubbles on the inside of the eardrum). Bacteria growing in that liquid turns it cloudy with infection.

Question 3

what the heck is otitis media?

Accepted Answer

Inflamation mid/ear: Otitis media is a broad term that includes various forms of inflamation of the middle ear. That space is like a cave in the skull, with the ear drum on one wall, a drain tube (eustacion tube) in the floor ; another wall composed by the skull ; the ear nerve. The walls make mucous which normally drains but can be trapped. Germs can feed on the trapped mucous ; cause infection.

Question 4

otitis media is characterised by what?

Accepted Answer

See below: Ear infections are normally associated with ear pain. You may also have a fever, decreased hearing, and cold symptoms.

Question 5

what is acute otitis media?

Accepted Answer

Middle ear infection: Acute otitis media: otitis means inflammation of the ear and media refers to middle.  So acute otitis media is an acute inflammation of the middle ear generally caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

Question 6

when can i fly after otitis media?

Accepted Answer

Flying with OM: You should be able to fly with otitis media (om), so long as you don't have a fever or a lot of pain and pressure in your ear(s). If an acute infection w/ pus in the ear(s), take your antibiotics and wait at least a week before getting on a plane. If you have fluid in your ear(s) take Claritin and sudafed starting 2 days before your flight and afrin (oxymetazoline) the day before and on day of your flight.

Question 7

could otitis media cause meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Possible but...: Very rare in developed countries.

Question 8

acute otitis media, how long does it last?

Accepted Answer

Few days: Acute otitis media should feel better within 24-48 hours of treatment...Then the acute part is resolved. It can take 3-10 days to heal completely and occasionally one will have fluid behind the drum for a few weeks afterwards and that is fine.

Question 9

what to do for severe pain with otitis media?

Accepted Answer

Otitis media pain: A pain reliever like Ibuprofen can be very helpful for the pain of an ear infection. Continue any oral and/ or topical antibiotics unless the course is completed. See your doctor if pain persists or worsens despite taking recommended medications.

Question 10

what are the tests for otitis media with effusion?

Accepted Answer

See below: Ear examination with an otoscope. And some people will perform tympanometry. This produces a graph that can aid in the diagnosis.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Heartbeat otitis media

A member asked:

What is otitis media?

A member asked:

What causes otitis media?

A member asked:

What the heck is otitis media?

A member asked:

Otitis media is characterised by what?

A member asked:

What is acute otitis media?

A member asked:

When can i fly after otitis media?

A member asked:

Could otitis media cause meningitis?

A member asked:

Acute otitis media, how long does it last?

A member asked:

What to do for severe pain with otitis media?

A member asked:

What are the tests for otitis media with effusion?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?