A 34-year-old member asked:
For how long does otitis media last?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Alexander Gorupanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 31 years experience
Depends: Uncomplicated can clear up in days. However, can last for weeks to months and never completely clear.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
How long does otitis media usually last?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anifat Balogunanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 31 years experience
Otitis Media: Otitis media can be used to mean a middle ear infection with pus in the middle ear, or fluid in the middle ear without infection. If there is pus, acute otitis media, the symptoms of pain, fever, malaise typically improve with a few days of using an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. The fluid may take three months or longer to resolve.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
How long does otitis media in a child usually last?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anifat Balogunanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 31 years experience
Otitis Media: The acute symptoms of ear pain, discomfort and fever will usually last a day or 2. Acetominophen or Ibuprofen products are helpful to manage symptoms. If your pmd has given your child antibiotics for the infection, you should see improvement within 36-48 hours. Once the infection resolves, there may still be fluid in the middle ear for up to 3 months. The child should be observed & hearing checked.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed Jun 18, 2022
Dr. Patrick Melder commented
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 29 years experience
excellent answer! See your local ENT if the fluid persists beyong three months or you notice a decrease in hearing.
Mar 29, 2012
Dr. Martin Raff commented
Infectious Disease 58 years experience
Agree entirely. Particularly concerning the potential for hearing loss. This can be subtle but if you suspect any changes, see your doctor.
Mar 29, 2012
A 44-year-old member asked:
Acute otitis media, how long does it last?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Cornelia Franzanswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 2, 2019
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