Question 1

why acute otitis media is dangerous in adults? could it be a sign of cancer or weak immunity? thanks

Accepted Answer

??Dangerous ??: I would consider it unusual and a nuisance but not dangerous. If it led to a perforated ear drum, those do take much longer to heal and may require surgery. Adults who get acute otitis generally did so as kids, and many have allergic and or sinus issues that predispose to the problem. I can't buy a cancer or immune defect as a significant factor.

Question 2

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 3

is otitis media painful?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Often otitis media is painful due to the pressure build up in the middle ear from the infection.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

is otitis media dangerous in adults?

Accepted Answer

: Like any other infection left untreated, otitis has the potential of progressing and causing significant complications. Proper follow up and treatment would prevent such developments.

Question 7

for how long does otitis media last?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Uncomplicated can clear up in days. However, can last for weeks to months and never completely clear.

Question 8

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 9

what are the symptoms of otitis media?

Accepted Answer

See below: Most commonly ear pain and a fever. They are usually associated with cold symptoms. Some patients also complain of decreased hearing in the affected ear.

Question 10

can you tell me more about otitis media?

Accepted Answer

Middle ear infection: This is typically a bacterial infection of the middle ear, not the outer ear(canal) or inner ear. It usually is triggered by a viral upper respiratory infection or allergies. Treatment involves decongestants, mucus thinners (guaifenesin),  sometimes nasal or oral steroids, and usually antibiotics.

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Why acute otitis media is dangerous in adults? could it be a sign of cancer or weak immunity? thanks

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What is otitis media?

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Is otitis media painful?

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What causes otitis media?

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What the heck is otitis media?

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Is otitis media dangerous in adults?

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For how long does otitis media last?

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Otitis media is characterised by what?

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What are the symptoms of otitis media?

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Can you tell me more about otitis media?

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